By knowing which m8tes are at risk and where the risks come from, is the first step to creating a stress-free workplace.
Stress can come from the type of work done, the worker doing the work, and the workplace environment. They can be psychological, physical or both and are more likely to lead to harm particularly in at-risk worker populations. Work-related risks exist across a spectrum and should be considered in context with the type of work, the worker and the workplace.
At risk workm8te populations
Just like no two jobs are the same, no two workers are the same. Causes of stress are likely to be specific to your workm8te, the type of work being done or the workplace. Certain worker demographics are at a higher risk to work-related stress and harm. This risk is individual and can change across a workers' life.
This worker demographic risk profile identifies the key worker demographic populations in the Australian manufacturing sector that are most at risk. Extra care should be taken towards those workers in at-risk demographics. Remember, some workers may be in multiple risk categories - placing them at an even higher risk.
Risky business
See the results of our research to understand the most common challenges faced by workm8tes and workplaces in the Victorian defence industry manufacturing sector.
Know your challenges and act
A stress-free, safe, and thriving workplace seeks to minimise the harmful work-related factors, hazards and demands; and maximise those work-related factors that are positive.
It’s all about balance.
When demands on workm8tes are too high it leads to burnout – when they are too low it leads to apathy and boredom – neither are good. Highly demanding jobs can be tolerated or even positive for workers in highly supportive working environments.
Depending on the type of work being done not all demands can be removed or controlled. When looking to mitigate work-related risks like job demands, follow the hierarchy of control to maximise effectiveness of your actions. When risks cannot be removed, we can use additional positive actions at both the workm8te and workplace level to help offset the negatives of the job.
But we’re going to level with you - workplace interventions are more effective and lead to longer lasting change.
It is about getting the balance between demands and resources right at the worker and workplace level. This is done through good work-design and workplace prevention and intervention.
Explore each work-related factors (WRF) in more detail, learn about how they show up in your workm8tes and what actions you can take to remove, reduce or control their impact either by prevention or mitigation.
Download the full suite of work-related factor descriptions and actions here.
Know what factors impact your workm8tes & take action
Understanding your workplace's risks and the work-related factors that impact your workm8tes is the first step to tackling the causes of workplace stress. Use the free online Workplace Risk Assessment tool to identify the work-related factors present in the work your team or workplace does that place your workers at a high-risk of harm, and get a tailored, prioritised list what preventative actions and mitigations you can take to address them.
Not convinced? Take a look at this overview and business case - and make the case to your get your leadership team onboard.
Get on the front foot
Prevent workplace stress through good job design. Prevent workplace stress through good job design. Good job design removes, reduces, and minimises the work-related factors that cause workplace stress, and amplifies the parts of a job that are positive and fulfilling.
Find out what makes a good job, and take our online job assessment to see how your jobs measure up, and get a tailored action plan to create better, stress free jobs.
It starts with you
Create better outcomes for your work and workm8tes.
We’ve got the tools for you to create a stress-free, safe and thriving workplace.
These tools are informed by extensive research and designed by workers in manufacturing to support you and your workm8tes.
For Senior Management & HR/WHS Managers | For Supervisors & Direct Managers |
It all starts with you. Change comes from the top. Visible commitment from senior management, HR and work, health and safety managers is key to creating a thriving, safe and productive workplace. Your actions set the tone of what is to follow. Own your responsibilities and create a safe and productive workforce. Know what you have to do, and get the resources to help you deliver. | It's in your hands. You are the most important influencer of your workm8tes' wellbeing and performance. You have a key role in preventing work-related stress - as you have the greatest impact on their day-to-day wellbeing, and you are in the best position to notice when a workm8te might be struggling. Big responsibility sure, but you don't need big shoulders for this one. You have all the tools you need to master this right here. Together we've got this. |