A combined proactive and reactive approach will boost morale, better leverage resources, and improve organisational productivity.
Psychosocial risk on the rise
As our world changes, so does the work we do. For most workplaces, this means increased exposure to psychosocial hazards such as high job demands, remote or isolated work, and poor organisational structures. For some workplaces, there are additional exposures to hazards such as violence and aggression, bullying and harassment, and traumatising events.
Many organisations are currently managing the risks associated with these hazards through initiatives such as resilience training, lunchtime meditation, and referrals to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). However, guidance from regulators confirms that these initiatives — while beneficial — are simply not enough. Injuries and illnesses continue to occur. The risk remains high and the cost is great.
Employers must acknowledge these risks and take responsibility for the impact work has on the wellbeing of employees. The time for placing the sole focus on individuals to manage their own psychological safety has passed. It is now time for everyone to accept their portion of the responsibility.
An evidence-based approach
We’re all familiar with the traditional approach to managing risk: identify, assess, and control the risk, consult and communicate with employees, and perform assurance activities to confirm the effectiveness and implementation of the allocated controls. While traditional, this approach is based on a solid foundation of evidence which supports ongoing and effective risk management.
This approach provides an opportunity for us to follow a well-trodden path to a mentally healthy workplace. It does not replace the need for supportive leadership when mental health concerns are raised. Rather, our work highlights the value of a proactive, preventative approach to the identification, assessment, control, and monitoring of psychosocial risk.
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Psychosocial risk management
How well are you managing psychosocial risk?Size: 613 KB
Establishing a strategic direction
Without a clear vision, it is unlikely there will be a coordinated and effective reduction in psychosocial risks in a workplace.
Having a defined strategy which includes mental health, or one which focuses specifically on mental health, is critical in order to have a progressive position on issues such as:
- The investment required to reduce psychosocial risks to as low as reasonably practicable
- The extent the organisation is willing to innovate to positively influence employee mental health
- How to focus on both prevention and management of mental ill-health
With a clear strategy, established through robust consultation with relevant stakeholders, the next steps towards a mentally healthy workplace through better risk management are far easier to take.
Summary
Psychosocial risk management is relatively new in most industries, and not all organisations have the in-house capability to successfully identify risks and controls, or to design and deliver valuable assurance programs to monitor the effectiveness of controls.
