In short, managing psychosocial hazards at work is essential because it's a standard of work health and safety required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulations. It makes managing psychosocial risks just as important as managing physical hazards.
Failing to provide a safe psychosocial environment for your employees could lead to a complaint being filed against you, potentially resulting in mediation or even legal action.
Benefits of Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work
Workplaces benefit from managing psychosocial hazards, as employees tend to have higher engagement and lower turnover rates, not to mention enhanced overall performance. This, in turn, means lower workers' compensation and injury claim costs, as well as a more positive and supportive culture and environment.
What does a Psychosocial Workplace Look Like?
A psychosocially safe workplace takes all reasonable and practicable steps to control and manage psychosocial hazards, ensuring that employees' mental, emotional, and physical health is protected with the goal of reducing stress and fostering good relationships with others.
Psychosocial safe workplaces are created by:
- a positive work environment,
- effective communication,
- supportive management,
- job control and autonomy,
- a clearly defined list of duties for employees,
- a well-balanced work-life,
- receiving earned recognition and reward,
- opportunities for professional development,
- social support, and
- fairness and justice.
Creating a workplace culture that promotes mutual respect and collaboration is essential for fostering a psychologically safe environment. Having a team trained to confidently address mental health crises can help sustain the positive culture you've developed.
To learn more about creating a psychosocially safe workplace, visit our Creating a Psychosocial Safe Workplace blog. If you'd like to learn more about equipping your team to address mental health crises in the workplace confidently, book them in for Mental Health First Aider™ training.
