Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace: What They Are and How to Deal with Them
Work can be challenging enough without dealing with extra pressures that leave you feeling drained, anxious, or even unsafe. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, undervalued, or bullied at work, you might be experiencing what’s known as “psychosocial hazards.” It sounds like jargon, but it’s something many of us face at some point in our working lives.
What Are Psychosocial Hazards?
Psychosocial hazards refer to anything in your workplace that could negatively impact your mental health, wellbeing, or ability to perform. They aren’t physical hazards like slippery floors or heavy lifting, but they can be just as damaging. These hazards can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, or even burnout.
Common psychosocial hazards include:
- Workplace bullying or harassment – Whether it’s sexist comments, being picked on, or left out intentionally, these behaviours can take a toll on your mental health.
- Unreasonable job demands – Ever felt like you’re doing three people’s jobs but only getting paid for one? When work demands are excessive and constant, it’s a major stressor.
- Lack of support – Whether it’s from your boss or co-workers, feeling unsupported can leave you vulnerable to stress and isolation.
- Workplace conflict – Not getting along with colleagues or managers can create an environment where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Job insecurity – Not knowing if you’ll have a job tomorrow is a massive burden and can affect your mental wellbeing.
- Poor work-life balance – If you’re constantly checking emails after hours or skipping time with family to get work done, it can harm your mental and emotional health.
How to Identify Psychosocial Hazards
If you find yourself dreading work, having trouble sleeping, or feeling anxious about interacting with certain people or tasks, these could be signs of psychosocial hazards. Pay attention to how you feel both during and after work. Do you feel overwhelmed? Drained? Constantly stressed? If yes, there’s a chance psychosocial factors at work could be the cause.
You might also notice:
- Feeling isolated from your co-workers.
- Increased irritability or sensitivity at work.
- Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or changes in appetite.
- Reduced job satisfaction or a feeling of helplessness.
Trust your instincts. If you feel like something isn’t right, it’s worth looking deeper into what’s going on.
How to Report Psychosocial Hazards
In Australia, workplaces have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy environment, including your mental wellbeing. If you’re experiencing any psychosocial hazards, reporting them is an important step toward addressing the issue. Here’s how to go about it:
- Document everything – Keep records of incidents, conversations, and how the situation is affecting your mental health. Having clear documentation can be really helpful when reporting the issue.
- Speak to someone you trust – This might be a supervisor, HR, or a trusted colleague. Let them know what’s happening and how it’s affecting you. If the issue is with your manager, go higher up the chain.
- File a formal complaint – If nothing changes after an informal conversation, you may need to lodge a formal complaint. Most workplaces have policies in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, and other psychosocial hazards.
- Know your rights – In Australia, laws like the Fair Work Act and Work Health and Safety Act protect workers from bullying, harassment, and unsafe work environments. Don’t be afraid to use them.
Where to Find Help and Support
It can be tough to deal with psychosocial hazards on your own, but there are plenty of resources available in Australia to support you:
- Beyond Blue – Offers mental health support for those feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by work.
- Fair Work Commission – Provides advice on dealing with workplace bullying, unfair treatment, and unsafe work conditions.
- WorkSafe Australia – Can guide you on your rights around workplace safety and mental health, and how to report unsafe working conditions.
- Lifeline – If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support.
- Your union – If you’re part of a union, they can be a great resource for understanding your rights and helping you address workplace issues.
Final Thoughts
Psychosocial hazards are often invisible, but their impact can be very real. Whether it’s workplace bullying, unreasonable expectations, or poor support, you deserve to feel safe and supported at work. Don’t hesitate to speak up, seek help, and take action when your mental health is at risk. You’re not alone, and there’s plenty of help out there to guide you through the process. Remember: looking after your wellbeing is just as important as any deadline.
