Learn what Australia’s updated WHS laws mean for workplace wellbeing, and how to assess and manage psychosocial risks in 2025.
A new era of work is emerging, driven by the urgent need to prioritise people as much as performance. In Australia and globally, there's been a profound shift in how we view mental health and wellbeing at work. What was once considered a ‘nice-to-have’ is now a legal, ethical, and business-critical priority.
This shift has been cemented by updates to Australia's Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) laws, which now require organisations to actively identify, manage, and reduce psychosocial risks. These are the factors in a workplace that can cause psychological harm and they’re more common than you might think.
Mental health statistics tell a confronting story:
It’s costing us - emotionally, culturally, and financially.
To address these issues, Safe Work Australia has outlined 14 key psychosocial hazards that employers must assess and manage. Here's what they are:
For businesses, ignoring these hazards is no longer an option.
The legal implications are significant but beyond compliance, psychological hazards are deeply tied to team performance, morale, and retention. Organisations that fail to act may face compensation claims, reputational damage, and a disengaged workforce.
“Psychosocial hazards can cause harm to workers' health, safety and wellbeing and they must be treated just as seriously as physical hazards.”
– Safe Work Australia
And it’s not just about avoiding legal consequences. When you proactively support employee wellbeing, your team thrives. You see better collaboration, higher engagement, and sustainable performance.
This new era of workplace wellbeing calls for a new kind of leadership, one that values human sustainability as much as productivity.
Ask yourself:
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone, but now is the time to act.
Here are a few steps to start creating safer, more human-centred workplaces:
Want a simple, clear summary of what psychosocial hazards are, how they cause harm, and what your WHS obligations are?
Download the free Psychosocial Hazards 101 Guide to learn the 4-step process recommended by Safe Work Australia, plus tips to take action with confidence.
Book a free discovery call to explore how we can support you through the process of identifying, assessing, and managing psychosocial risks in your workplace
At Balanced Elite, we help organisations not just comply with WHS regulations but embed wellbeing into the very fabric of your culture.
We believe culture change starts with courageous leaders and small, strategic shifts that build momentum. Let’s work together to create workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and ready to do their best work.
Whether you’re curious about coaching, workshops, retreats, or workplace wellbeing programs, this no-pressure call is a chance to connect, ask questions, and see if Balanced Elite is the right fit.
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