Is your business a mentally healthy place to work?
Did you know you were obligated under NSW legislation to take responsibility for psychosocial risks?
In this post, Jim Chapman from AusPsych shares his insights on your requirements regarding psychosocial risk and mental stress in the workplace and the benefits of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
Psychosocial risks: Does your workplace meet requirements?
– Jim Chapman, AusPsych
In 2022, The NSW state government enacted legislation that requires employers to take similar responsibility for the psychological safety of staff as they do for physical harm and safety.
While many employers have been actively contributing to workplace wellbeing through various programs, the amended Work Health and Safety Regulations prescribe how duty holders must identify and manage hazards and risks to workers’ psychological health and safety.
While there were only 8.5 claims for mental stress out of 10,000 employees in 2018, compared to 192 claims for physical injury, these claims took 15 times longer to resolve and cost approximately 8 times more than regular workers compensation claims.
Safe Work Australia’s figures for 2021 indicate that the number of mental health claims increased to 9.3%.
Meet requirements with an EAP
As well as changing policies and approaches to reduce psychosocial hazards and psychological harm in your workplace, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are a great investment.
EAPs help you in managing psychosocial risks by giving employees easy access to a qualified psychologist with a guaranteed appointment. This provides your organisation with a happier, less stressed and less anxious workforce. It also means increased productivity, retention and work satisfaction.
A truly effective EAP provides services and programs that support your organisation in building the resilience, strength, and confidence of your managers and employees.
In building employee resilience to develop skills and insights that promote self-reliance in recognising issues and identifying effective solutions and strategies, you can work proactively and provide best-practice staff management policies and procedures.
Overall, EAPs can positively benefit your organisation in terms of productivity, attendance, and morale—and help ensure you’re meeting your obligations.
For further information on EAPs for your organisation, please contact AusPsych directly on 02 4926 1688 or send an email to admin@auspsych.com.au