What we measure · Psychosocial Risk
Managing Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace
A guide for Australian SMEs to the 14 psychosocial hazards.
In Australia, managing psychosocial risks is more than a recommendation, it's a legal requirement. Recent WHS updates mandate that all employers assess and address psychosocial hazards that impact employee mental health and wellbeing.
Psychosocial risks are aspects of work design and management that can harm mental health if unaddressed. Left unmanaged they lead to increased turnover, reduced productivity and serious compliance issues.
The 14 psychosocial hazards in WHS legislation
- 01
Job Demands
Excessive workload, unrealistic deadlines or high emotional demands leading to stress and burnout.
- 02
Job Control
Limited autonomy over tasks, schedules or decisions, increasing stress and reducing satisfaction.
- 03
Poor Support
Insufficient support from managers, peers or resources, reducing morale and increasing turnover.
- 04
Role Clarity
Ambiguity in responsibilities or expectations that increases stress and reduces productivity.
- 05
Organisational Change Management
Ineffective handling of change, increasing anxiety and reducing trust.
- 06
Reward and Recognition
Failure to recognise effort, leading to disengagement.
- 07
Organisational Justice
Perceived unfairness in policies or decisions, breeding resentment and stress.
- 08
Traumatic Events or Material
Regular exposure to distressing situations that can harm mental health.
- 09
Remote or Isolated Work
Working alone where support may not be available, leading to isolation and risk.
- 10
Physical Environment
Uncomfortable or unsafe conditions that reduce concentration and increase stress.
- 11
Workplace Violence and Aggression
Exposure to physical or verbal aggression that reduces morale and causes harm.
- 12
Bullying
Repeated harmful behaviour, intimidation or exclusion that damages mental health.
- 13
Harassment
Unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature or targeting protected characteristics.
- 14
Conflict or Poor Workplace Relationships
Frequent conflict that creates a hostile environment and decreases teamwork.
The STAR approach
Taking proactive steps with STAR
- 1
Register for a Psychosocial Risk Assessment
Identify and understand the risk factors present in your workplace.
- 2
Review Benchmarks
Use benchmarking data to set realistic improvement goals.
- 3
Implement Actionable Plans
Address key risks such as role clarity or conflict management.
- 4
Monitor and Adjust
Review your metrics annually to ensure improvements are sustained.
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