An employment expert says that while many employers are familiar with managing physical workplace hazards, psychosocial risks are receiving greater attention.
Peter McDevitt, the head of health and safety at Peninsula New Zealand, said psychosocial risks could be just as significant and could affect any workplace, regardless of industry.
“Workplace stress is often viewed as an individual issue, but many of the factors that contribute to stress are directly related to how work is designed, managed and supported,” McDevitt said.
“Excessive workloads, prolonged pressure, workplace conflict, bullying and poor communication can all have a significant impact on worker wellbeing if they are not identified and addressed early.”
McDevitt said such hazards were not just a human resources concern.
“They can form part of an employer’s broader health and safety responsibilities and should be managed alongside physical workplace risks,” he said.
“Creating a mentally healthy workplace does not necessarily require significant investment. Often, the most effective steps involve improving communication, managing workloads, setting clear expectations, providing adequate support and ensuring workplace issues are addressed early.”
Recent WorkSafe New Zealand research found 60% of workers reported experiencing work-related stress, while 30% reported a work-related mental health or wellbeing issue.
It also found 35% of workers reported being exposed to at least one form of offensive workplace behaviour, including bullying, cyber bullying, threats of violence, sexual harassment or physical violence.
McDevitt said businesses had a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to manage risks to workers’ health and safety, so far as was reasonably practicable.
He said WorkSafe New Zealand guidance recognised that psychosocial risks should be considered alongside more traditional workplace hazards.
“The most successful businesses understand that supporting workers’ mental health and wellbeing is not separate from managing physical health and safety risks.
“Both are important to creating a safe, productive and sustainable workplace.”
- Stay ahead with the latest market moves, corporate updates, and economic insights by subscribing to our Business newsletter – your essential weekly round-up of all the business news you need.