Australia’s largest annual survey for workplace mental health and wellbeing has been released, revealing the indicators of a thriving workplace.

61.8% of Australian workers will suffer a mental health condition in their lifetime, and nearly a quarter of them believe their workplace has caused it or made it worse.

Reports like this one are essential in understanding what factors limit organisations in creating mentally healthy workplaces and how to create positive environments for employees to thrive.

In this 2021 report, Australia’s thriving workplace score is 65.6/100, compared to 65.1 in 2020. The most important thing to note is that this number continues to climb from recent years – even through the pandemic. 83.8% of people in thriving workplaces plan on staying for another year. This is more than double the retention of workplaces that are not thriving.

What are the benefits of having a thriving workplace?

Along with the fact that thriving workplaces find it easier to attract and keep great workers, employees also see incredible benefits.

– They are able to use their strengths at work

– They are satisfied with their job

– They perform well in their role

– They are committed to achieving organisational goals

The biggest limitation in creating a thriving workplace is organisations not effectively managing the psychosocial risks of their employees. These risks are workplace operations that increase stress and reduce mental wellbeing.

What kind of psychosocial risks should management focus on addressing and improving?

1. Inappropriate workload

Giving employees too much or too little work or responsibility.

2. Low recognition

When an employee does a good job, there is lack of recognition or reward for their hard work

3. Poor change management

During a change of management there is a lack of communication during the process which leads to confusion and uneasiness among employees

4. Poor management support

Having little support, assistance and guidance from leaders

5. Poor role clarity

Employees unsure of what is expected of them. An employee cannot thrive in a role when they don’t understand it fully.

6. Poor workplace relationships

Conflict in the workplace sets a tone of discomfort and stress in the workplace. This can include bullying, discrimination or inappropriate behavior.

7. Poor working environment

Employees working in unacceptable conditions. High temperatures or noise levels, cramped workspace, poor lighting, or an unsafe environment.

8. Traumatic events

Employees being exposed to abuse or violence, or the lack of support following trauma

9. Low job control

Employees having little control over decisions that directly impact them and also how their work is performed

The healthiest, most thriving workplaces, have very low risk ratings for all nine psychosocial risks.

The good news is we will be bringing you some valuable information and tools on managing psychosocial risk in the workplace over the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

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