This presentation distils the extensive research on psychosocial hazards conducted across eight diverse organisations, showcasing practical strategies to reduce psychosocial risks and enhance workplace health and productivity. This research led to the development of a practical blueprint that other organisations can adopt, regardless of their size, complexity, or industry.

This research to practice presentation delivered by Dr. Tessa Bailey, CEO & Principal Psychologist at OPUS Centre, provides a comprehensive overview of psychosocial hazard management in the workplace. It also emphasises the importance of creating a psychosocially safe work environment by addressing job demands, work environment, and specific occupational hazards.

Key components include the impact of job demands on mental health, the role of job resources and support in mitigating stress, and the identification and management of common psychosocial hazards such as bullying, harassment, and poorly managed organisational changes.

The presentation outlines methods for determining the level of psychosocial risk through consultation, observation, and survey data, and emphasizes the importance of regular risk assessments tailored to the unique needs of different workplace groups. It highlights the use of psychosocial safety indicators to predict worker health and productivity and presents a new hierarchy of controls for managing psychosocial safety.

The case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of tailored interventions in reducing psychosocial risks and improving organisational outcomes, including increased productivity, reduced sickness absence, and enhanced employee engagement.

Overall, the presentation advocates for a proactive and comprehensive approach to managing psychosocial risks, underscores the benefits of a positive approach to psychological health and safety as well as emphasises the need for customised strategies that consider the specific context of each organisation.

This presentation is based on the research by Dr Tessa Bailey which has been published in the Journal of Applied Psychology - Building psychosocial safety climate in turbulent times.

Three Key Learnings:
1. Understanding of evidence-based approaches for better management of psychosocial risks
2. Knowledge of the freely available tools and resources available to organisations to help them manage psychosocial risks.
3. Learn about the blueprint along with practical and sustainable actions that can be taken to manage specific psychosocial factors such as Workload, Change Management, Emotional Demands and Leadership Support.