New psychological health regulations for Victorian employers are expected to commence this year
JUNE 2023 – New regulations that are expected to be implemented in 2023 will place increased emphasis on the role of effective leadership and positive culture in promoting mental health in the workplace. The regulations, which were developed by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, require all Victorian employers to take steps to identify and manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
Psychosocial hazards are factors in the workplace that can have a negative impact on mental health, such as bullying, harassment, excessive workload, and lack of control over work. The regulations require employers to identify and assess psychosocial hazards, develop and implement risk controls, and monitor the effectiveness of those controls.
The regulations also require employers to provide employees with information and training about psychosocial hazards and how to manage them. In addition, employers are required to provide employees with access to confidential support services if they experience a mental health issue.
The new regulations here in Victoria require employers to implement 13 psychosocial safety measures. Eleven of these measures can be directly related to effective leadership and positive culture:
Establish a workplace culture that is supportive of mental health.
Provide employees with clear expectations about their work.
Provide employees with the resources and support they need to do their jobs.
Create a workplace that is free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Provide employees with opportunities for development and growth.
Encourage employees to take breaks and vacations.
Provide employees with access to confidential support services.
Monitor the effectiveness of psychosocial safety measures.
Take action to address any psychosocial hazards that are identified.
Provide training to employees about psychosocial hazards and how to manage them.
Communicate with employees about psychosocial hazards and how to manage them.
“The new regulations send a clear message that employers have a responsibility to protect the mental health of their employees,” said Kerrie Adaway, Chief Executive Officer at Lysander.” Effective leadership and a positive culture are essential to creating a workplace that is safe and supportive for everyone.
Lysander is a leading provider of leadership and culture solutions and an expert on building psychologically safe workplaces. Selected as part of a consortium by WorkSafe Victoria”s WorkWell Mental Health Improvement fund to deploy an Integrated Approach to Wellness leadership and culture solution at Mordialloc Freeway Joint Venture, Lysander have a diverse client portfolio from Acciona, John Holland, ANZ, Yarra Trams, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, Suncorp, Australia Post and RACV to name a few.
The regulations are based on the recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health, which found that mental health problems are a major issue in the workplace. The commission found that poor mental health costs the Victorian economy $22 billion each year in lost productivity and healthcare costs.
The new regulations are a positive step towards addressing the issue of mental health in the workplace. However, it is important to note that the regulations are only a starting point. Employers need to go beyond compliance with the regulations and take steps to create a workplace that is truly supportive of mental health.
“The new regulations are a good first step, but they are not a silver bullet,” said Kerrie Adaway. “Employers need to do more than just comply with the regulations. They need to create a workplace where employees feel safe and supported, and where they can thrive.”
Lysander is committed to helping employers create a workplace that is safe and supportive for everyone. They offer a Psychological Safety 1-Day and 2-Day workshop for Executive level and Manager level to help employers comply with the new regulations and create a positive culture for mental health. For more information, please visit our website at lysander.com.au.