In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the legislative landscape concerning psychosocial risk and psychological safety across Australia. These changes are part of a broader effort to improve workplace safety and ensure that mental health is given the same priority as physical health in the workplace.
The Evolution of Legislation
The introduction of ISO 45003, the first international standard to provide guidance on managing psychosocial risks, has been a major milestone. This standard highlights the importance of psychological health and safety, encouraging organisations to adopt a more proactive approach to identifying and mitigating psychosocial hazards. It is designed to be used in conjunction with ISO 45001, which focuses on occupational health and safety management systems.
Implications for Leaders in Government
Psychological safety is critical in local government workplaces to ensure effective governance and high-quality public service. We have partnered with DataDrivesInsight.com to offer a range of tools and programs tailored to meet these regulatory requirements and enhance workplace psychological safety. Here are five key reasons why we as management consulting professionals think this is crucial:
- Improved Employee Engagement and Retention:Â Creating a psychologically safe environment ensures employees feel valued and respected, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
- Enhanced Decision-Making and Innovation:Â When employees can voice their ideas and concerns without fear of retribution, it fosters a culture of innovation and better decision-making.
- Increased Productivity and Performance:Â Teams that operate in a psychologically safe environment collaborate more effectively and are more productive, enhancing overall performance.
- Compliance with Legal and Ethical Standards:Â Adhering to guidelines like ISO 45003 ensures that local governments meet legal requirements and uphold ethical standards, reducing the risk of legal issues.
- Better Community Relations and Trust:Â Employees who feel psychologically safe are more likely to engage positively with the community, building trust and improving relations between the government and its constituents.
PSI (Psychological Safety Indicator): The PSI measures team members’ sense of psychological safety and inclusivity within their team in a confidential and anonymous manner. This data is presented in an interactive dashboard, allowing leaders to track progress and foster a more inclusive workforce. Organisations that use PSI can identify and respond to psychosocial risk factors, supporting staff mental health and gaining a competitive advantage​​.
PSI360: The PSI360 provides a 360-degree feedback mechanism for leaders, highlighting how their leadership impacts team psychological safety and inclusivity. This comprehensive feedback is used to develop targeted improvement plans, enhancing leaders’ capacity to create safe and inclusive environments, which in turn improves team performance and employee retention​​.
Leading the Way to a Safer Future
As Australian legislation continues to evolve, it is imperative for leaders, especially those in government, to stay ahead of these changes by fostering a culture of psychological safety. By doing so, they not only comply with legal requirements but also enhance the well-being and performance of their teams. DataDrivesInsight.com in partnership with Dattner Group remains dedicated to providing the most effective tools and insights to help organisations manage psychosocial risks and promote a culture of safety and inclusivity. Together, we can create thriving workplaces where every individual feels valued and respected.
Supporting Organisations
If you want to further understand how your council can adhere to the new legislation and ensure you meet the new Psychosocial Risk and Psychological Safety measurement standards please contact us. We are accredited practitioners in the PSI tool and can ensure you get the support you need.
