Fairness should not be an unreasonable ask

Mental health is a critical factor in job satisfaction, work performance, well-being, productivity and most importantly workplace safety. Many accidents occur due to poor mental health, which impacts on resilient to stress, thinking patterns, decision-making, workflow and relationships.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, were employed as the senior executives of the royal family. It is not unusual for senior executive or any workers to resign their position for any reasons that are related to their welfare or well-being.

Whilst it may not be known the full extent of what Harry and Meghan may have suffered, their candid interview during the African Tour gave revelations that all was not well.

The tabloids have been described as giving unfair, harsh treatment to the Sussexes, which included racial discrimination and bullying.

SafeWork Australia describes bullying as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker/group that creates a risk to health and safety.

Bullying is a risk that could affect the mental and physical health of workers.

Some examples of bullying include: abusive or offensive language or comments; belittling or humiliating comments; jokes or unjustified criticisms.

Some of which appear in publications regarding the Sussexs.

When Prince Harry spoke of the impact and trauma he suffers as a result of his mother death through the persistent pursuits by the paparazzi; his response to Tom Bradley's question "Do you feel at peace yet or is it a wound that festers?" was "Probably a wound that festers ... every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash ... It takes me straight back. What happened to her is incredibly raw every single day, not being paranoid and that's me not wanting a repeat of the past." This is obviously what Prince Harry was referring to as the game that had killed his mum.

In the interview, the Duchess of Sussex stated that she knew that it wouldn't be easy, but thought that it would be fair. In a civilised world, asking and expecting fairness is not unreasonable.

Justice and fairness are considered to be one of the most important qualities that people seek in relationships and at work.

Being just and fair is treating two people similarly for the same effort and results. It means that you deal with people with no bias or prejudice. Fairness matters because it makes establishments work.

Unless people feel that society, the economy, their employer, the country is working in ways they would be describe as fair, then it is not viable.

A workplace that is just and fair would have workers free of anxiety; more likely to gain their trust and cooperation; see an increase in morale, performance and productivity.

The WHS Act states that workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their health and safety and not adversely affect others' health and safety.

When Prince Harry attended a formal private dinner in Chelsea for Sentebale, he said the events that had taken place over the years had force his decision for himself and his family to leave the Royal family.

He went on to say that his decision was not made lightly.

This was despite the love of his country, his willingness to continue to serve and utmost respect and love for the queen.

Whilst there is much judgment and debate around the actions taken by the Sussexes, one could not miss their true sadness during their interview with Tom Bradley on the African Tour.

Mental health is personal and who are we to criticise those seeking what they identify as a better life for themselves as a family.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 3 reads as follows:

Faith Eeson is a safety consultant at Foccale Safety Management