Published in: ISO Standards

How do I manage psychosocial risks?

Author Ryan Chapman

Published on: December 23, 2022

Psychosocial risks refer to the psychological and social factors that can affect the health and well-being of employees. These risks can include factors such as work-related stress, bullying and harassment, and inadequate work-life balance.

See more in our services page on ISO 45001:2018 (OHSMS) and team Adaptive downloadable resources.

To manage psychosocial risks, organisations can implement a range of strategies and interventions, including:

1. Identifying and assessing psychosocial risks: This involves identifying the specific psychosocial risks that are present in the workplace, as well as assessing their potential impact on employees. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, and other methods.
2. Developing policies and procedures: Organisations can develop policies and procedures to address specific psychosocial risks, such as those related to bullying and harassment. These policies should be communicated to all employees and regularly reviewed to ensure they are effective.
3. Providing training and education: Providing training and education on topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, and work-life balance can help employees better understand and manage psychosocial risks.
4. Promoting a positive work culture: A positive work culture can go a long way in mitigating psychosocial risks. This includes promoting open communication, providing support and resources for employees, and creating a sense of community and belonging.
5. Providing support and resources: Organisations can provide employees with resources such as counselling services, employee assistance programs, and wellness programs to help them manage psychosocial risks.

Overall, effectively managing psychosocial risks requires a proactive and holistic approach that takes into account the needs and well-being of employees.

See ISO 45003:2021 – Guidelines for managing psychological risk based on ISO 45001:2018.

ISO – ISO 45003:2021 – Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work — Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks

For more guidance, check out the SafeWork Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work.

In addition, some resources that might be helpful around identifying and managing Psychosocial Hazards in the workplace include:

Workplace Well Being survey tool

Regional Resource Kit resources and assistance

Black Dog Institute resources

People at Work survey tool