Make the Critical Shift Towards Psychosocial Wellbeing

Does your team feel that their mental wellbeing is truly valued, with psychosocial safety as more than just a policy?  

In workplaces today, this isn’t just important – it’s essential. While traditional safety measures have concentrated on physical hazards, mental health is emerging as a top priority. But here’s the thing: many organizations still struggle with sharing relevant data across departments. HR often holds the personal data of an employee, but this isn’t shared with the safety team, who is responsible for keeping workers safe. Adding to this, many safety systems are disparate and siloed making a collaborative approach to mental wellbeing a challenging process.  

This article covers why Psychosocial Safety has become so important and provides some ways to improve the sharing of data that is so critical to identifying and addressing Psychosocial risks.  

Why Psychosocial Safety Matters More Than Ever 

Stress is an inevitable challenge in the workplace. Psychosocial safety is all about creating an environment where employees feel mentally secure and supported. Comcare’s resources show that psychosocial risks—like high job demands, lack of control, and poor support—can seriously impact mental health. Addressing these risks isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about fostering a thriving, engaged workforce. Effective EHS programs are pivotal in achieving this. 

Here’s a reality check: according to Safe Work Australia, mental health conditions accounted for 10% of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2022-23. This is a 19.2% increase on 2021-22, and a 97.3% increase compared with 10 years ago. The cost associated with these claims is significantly higher than for other injuries, with a median compensation of $65,400 per serious claim – more than 4 times the median compensation paid across all serious claims ($14,400). 

Workers with mental health claims often need significantly more time off, with a median of 37 weeks lost (up from 34.2 weeks in the previous year) compared to just 7.2 weeks for other injuries (Safe Work Australia). They also encounter additional challenges upon returning to work, such as concerns about being treated differently, fears of not being believed by supervisors, and increased stress over job security. These real-world struggles highlight why you need to focus on psychosocial safety.  

A Single Source of Truth 

In far too many organizations, safety data is fragmented and scattered across a patchwork of systems – whether it’s outdated spreadsheets, paper records, or an assortment of niche software tools that don’t communicate with each other. This disjointed approach leads to confusion, inefficiencies, and crucial insights slipping through the cracks. Modern EHS software, however, consolidates all your safety data into one unified platform allowing you to: 

• Track psychosocial risks easily: With all data in one place, you can monitor and manage psychosocial risks more effectively. This includes tracking stress levels, workload issues, and other psychological hazards that might impact employee wellbeing. 
• Monitor trends and patterns: Centralizing your data helps you uncover trends and patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, you could start to see repeated signs of high stress or burnout in specific departments, allowing you to step in and address the issues before they escalate. 
• Access real-time insights: Having up-to-date information at your fingertips empowers you to make informed decisions swiftly. Real-time data ensures you’re always acting on the most current and complete information, not making choices based on outdated insights. 

Early Intervention is critical to better worker health outcomes.   

Traditional safety management programs have been foundational in maintaining workplace safety, often focusing on identifying and mitigating hazards before they lead to incidents. Logging hazards and conducting regular risk assessments are key components of these programs, designed to prevent issues from arising in the first place. 

However, modern EHS programs build upon this proactive foundation by offering even more advanced tools and strategies for early intervention. These programs not only help in catching potential problems sooner but also enable a more holistic approach to managing workplace safety. By integrating data analytics and real-time monitoring, modern EHS systems allow for quicker responses and more informed decision-making, further enhancing employee wellbeing and reducing the likelihood of incidents.  

Modern EHS programs flip this script by helping you get ahead of potential issues. 

The goal is simple: catch problems before they escalate. Early intervention is key to achieving this. For employees, it enhances recovery outcomes, helps them stay on the job, shortens the time they might need to take off, lowers the chances of future sick leave, and even influences how they feel about coming to work.  

Employers also reap significant benefits. Comcare’s research shows that effective early intervention programs can deliver a five-fold return on investment, largely due to increased employee productivity. When early intervention is combined with quality mental health care, the return on investment can soar to an impressive 492%. This isn’t just a number – it’s proof that investing in mental health and effective EHS management programs pays off.  

Implementing a comprehensive EHS program not only reflects your genuine commitment to employee wellbeing but also enhances the chances of a quicker return to work. It helps you reduce incapacity costs, avoid hidden expenses like lost productivity, and minimize the strain of hiring and training replacements. By regularly assessing risks and understanding the root causes of issues, you can truly make a difference, continuously improving the safety and wellbeing of your team. 

Bridging Gaps Across the Organisation 

Outdated communication methods can create barriers that hold your team back. Imagine how much more effective your workplace could be if your employees had instant access to the support they need. With real-time information sharing, effective EHS software breaks down those barriers, empowering your team to work together seamlessly. 

These platforms do more than just improve safety; they transform how your team collaborates and supports each other. By connecting your employees to essential mental health resources, you’re not just reacting to problems—you’re actively prioritizing their wellbeing every step of the way. 

What’s possible for your organization with a seamless EHS approach? 

HSI Donesafe’s software pulls everything together into one easy-to-use platform, so you’re no longer juggling spreadsheets and wrangling scattered data. Going beyond safety data, it can also integrate with HR systems, so your data is combined and teams can work together. By consolidating your safety data, tracking risks, and providing real-time cloud-based insights, you’re more equipped to proactively prevent psychological and physical issues.  

We believe in connecting employees with the right resources and services exactly when they need them. HSI Donesafe’s software cultivates a supportive and productive work environment, demonstrating a genuine commitment to your team’s wellbeing and enhancing overall performance.  

Consider the impact if your team knew that their mental health was valued just as much as their physical safety. 

Don’t let outdated systems hold your team back.  

Effective EHS programs are crucial for transforming your approach to psychosocial safety. The ROI is clear: mental health support can yield a 492% return on investment. Not only do you reduce costs, but you drive increased productivity and show your team that their mental health matters as much as their physical safety.  

Upgrade your EHS software today and create a safer, more supportive workplace where your team and business can thrive.  

Make the smart move now—because when you invest in your worker’s wellbeing, you invest in your organization’s wellbeing, too. 

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Read the latest research into injury prevention, including psychosocial risks here.