Psych Health and Safety Podcast

In this episode we chat with Lucas Finch, Global Head of Wellbeing at Xero. He shares with us the approach that Xero is taking to psychological health and safety, and describes the steps being taken to operationalise the integrated approach. We discuss how to measure outcomes from a psychological health and safety strategy, and how to align a business case proposition with outcomes that are important to the organisation in question.

Join us to celebrate the first birthday of the Psych Health and Safety Podcast! Who would have thought in just one year we would publish 74 episodes, feature 63 world-leading guests, host six live panels, spawn three spin off podcasts and record more than 27,000 downloads! In a special first birthday episode, co-hosts Jason van Schie, Joelle Mitchell, and Dr Alicia Papas teamed up to discuss the top four challenges for workplaces adopting psychological health and safety in 2022. This included: building OHS/HR competence; line manager training; tools for psychosocial risk assessment/monitoring (and what isn’t a risk assessment); and action planning following risk assessment (and look out for a surprise special guest who popped in to say hello!).

In this episode we chat with Jennifer Fry, Director of WorkWell at WorkSafe Victoria. Jennifer summarises the WorkWell program, its goals and approach. She describes the WorkWell Toolkit and the 11 work factors organisations should be addressing through prevention activities. We discuss the Mental Health Improvement Fund and some of the findings shared in the Emerging Outcomes report. https://www.workwell.vic.gov.au/ https://www.workwell.vic.gov.au/resources/insights-and-learnings-workwell-program

In this episode we chat with Dr David Provan, Founder and Managing Director of Forge Works and Safety Futures, and co-host of the Safety of Work Podcast. We discuss the current level of knowledge about psych health and safety within the safety profession, and the willingness of safety practitioners to learn. David shares his views on the role of the OHS function within psych health and safety, and describes the benefits an organisation is likely to reap when their OHS function includes psych health and safety capabilities. Get FlourishDx Basic on a forever free account: www.flourishdx.com/signup

Get FlourishDx Basic on a forever free account: www.flourishdx.com/signupLaMontagne AD, Martin A, Page KM, Reavley NJ, Noblet AJ, Milner AJ, Keegel T, Smith PM (2014): Workplace mental health: developing an integrated intervention approach. BMC Psychiatry. 2014 May 9;14:131. Available open access: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-14-131.LaMontagne AD, Shann C, Martin A (2018): Developing an integrated approach to workplace mental health: A hypothetical conversation with a Small Business Owner. Ann Work Expo Health; 62(suppl_1):S93-S100. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxy039.Martin AJ & LaMontagne AD (2018): Applying an integrated approach to workplace mental health in SMEs: A case of the “too hard basket” or picking some easy wins? In Organizational Interventions for Health and Well-being, A Handbook for Evidence-Based Practice Organizational Interventions. (Eds Nielsen K, Noblet A,), Routledge, Taylor & Francis Publishing, UK, Chapter 8, pp: 195-219.LaMontagne AD, Martin A, Page KM, Reavley NJ, Noblet AJ, Milner AJ, Keegel T, Allisey A, Papas A, Witt K, Smith PM (2019): Developing an integrated approach to workplace mental health. In Total Worker Health: Integrative Approaches to Safety, Health & Wellbeing (Editors: Hudson HL, Nigam JAS, Sauter SL, Chosewood LC, Schill AL, Howard J), Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA), Washington DC. Chapter 12, pp: 211-228.Good practice framework for mental health and wellbeing in police and emergency services organisations (beyond blue, 2020)The Australian National Mental Health Commission’s National Workplace Initiative (in development). https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/Mental-health-Reform/National-Workplace-InitiativeWHO Work and Mental Health Guide (in development). See https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health-in-the-workplace and https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/guidelines_mental_health_work/en/#:~:text=Work%2C%20including%20working%20conditions%2C%20is,and%20well%2Dbeing%20of%20workersWorkplace Strategies for Mental Health: https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/Promoting Positive Mental Health in the Workplace – Guidelines for Organisations (2015). http://www.superfriend.com.au/supporters/research/promoting-positive-mental-health-in-the-workplace-guidelines-for-organisationsWorkplace Prevention of Mental Health Problems, Guidelines for Organisations (2013): https://mhfa.com.au/cms/guidelines#mhfapreventGuidelines on Providing Mental Health First Aid in the workplace (2016): https://mhfa.com.au/resources/mental-health-first-aid-guidelines#mhfaworkplaceWorkplace mental health resources for small business (beyond blue): https://www.headsup.org.au/healthy-workplaces/for-small-businessesLaMontagne AD and Keegel T (2012): Reducing Stress in the Workplace: An Evidence Review, Full Report. Melbourne: Victorian Heath Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), 52 pages. Open access at http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/workplaceWorksafe Victoria: Preventing and Managing Work-related Stress – A Guidebook for Employers. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/preventing-and-managing-work-related-stress-guide-employers

Get FlourishDx Basic on a forever free account: www.flourishdx.com/signupwww.safetyinmind.org

Get FlourishDx Basic on a forever free account: www.flourishdx.com/signuphttps://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/Mental-health-Reform/National-Workplace-Initiativehttps://www.comcare.gov.au/collaborativepartnershiphttps://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/mental-health-reform/national-workplace-initiative/mentally-healthy-workplaces-during-covid-19https://superfriend.com.au/resources/itw/

Get FlourishDx Basic on a forever free account: www.flourishdx.com/signuphttps://www.shponline.co.uk/culture-and-behaviours/why-james-reason-was-looking-in-the-wrong-direction-and-mental-health-first-aiders-are-only-a-part-of-the-answer/https://www.shponline.co.uk/slips-trips-and-falls/behavioural-safety-and-blue-pies-trip-hazards/

Get FlourishDx Basic on a forever free account: www.flourishdx.com/signup

Get FlourishDx Basic on a forever free account: www.flourishdx.com/signup

In this episode we chat with Dr Don McCreary, Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Brock University. We discuss the research he conducted for Movember evaluating the effectiveness of various workplace programs designed to prevent psychological injury in the general population and in the military veteran and first responder cohorts, how his findings have informed further research, and the need for research to evaluate systematic rather than individual-level interventions. He shares his thoughts on the need for a gendered approach to workplace mental health interventions that tailors language and approach to improve mental health outcomes for men. We also discuss issues of social science literacy, research generalisability, and a whole lot more in this extra-long episode.

In this episode we chat with Christine Yeung, CEO and Founder of Beyond Story. She shares the relationship between loneliness and health outcomes, and discusses the interactions between work and loneliness. She discusses strategies organisations can implement to reduce loneliness, and explains why reducing loneliness is beneficial to employers.

Construction industry workers have a unique risk profile when it comes to psychological health. This panel will explore some of the issues associated with this group and discuss where workplace mental health practice needs to move in the industry to have a positive effect on this cohort.

In this episode, psychologist Joelle Mitchell, Global Head of Psychological Health and Safety at FlourishDx features as a guest on the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Asia podcast with host Wen Li Lim. Joelle shares some practical tips in navigating workplace mental health including the use of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) and mental health first aid training. Tools are very helpful, however when used incorrectly and not in the context it was created for, further harm may be perpetuated. Joelle also provides some handles for managers when having mental health discussions with team members, including return to work conversations. Other topics explored includes high 'power distance' dynamics, which is especially prevalent in many Asian cultures. AIHS Improving Integrated Approaches to Workplace Mental Health Conference (December 1-2, 2021): https://the-hatchery.co/event/aihs/ Free Live Panel Event: Improving mental health in the construction industry by improving 'work' (November 30, 2021): https://www.linkedin.com/events/improvingworkplacementalhealthi6854612964679544832/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275441641_Exploring_the_Nature_of_Power_Distance Get FlourishDx Basic for free: www.flourishdx.com/signup

AIHS Improving Integrated Approaches to Workplace Mental Health Conference (December 1-2, 2021): https://the-hatchery.co/event/aihs/Free Live Panel Event: Improving mental health in the construction industry by improving 'work' (November 30, 2021): https://www.linkedin.com/events/improvingworkplacementalhealthi6854612964679544832/https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/thriving-at-work-everything-you-need-to-get-started/https://www.workwellhub.com/Get FlourishDx Basic for free: www.flourishdx.com/signup

In this episode we chat with Dr. Kevin Teoh, Occupational Health Psychologist and the Programme Director of the MSc Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London. Kevin shares a broad range of research findings relating to psychological health and safety, and discusses the approaches he finds most effective in generating trust and collaboration when coming into an organisation as an outsider. He explores the role of job supports in moderating the harmful effects of high job demands, and shares strategies that can be implemented at a team or local level to effect positive change in mental health outcomes. Finally, he describes a research project exploring the mechanisms by which national WHS legislation improves employee mental health. AIHS Improving Integrated Approaches to Workplace Mental Health Conference (December 1-2, 2021): https://the-hatchery.co/event/aihs/ Free Live Panel Event: Improving mental health in the construction industry by improving 'work' (November 30, 2021): https://www.linkedin.com/events/improvingworkplacementalhealthi6854612964679544832/ Get FlourishDx Basic for free: www.flourishdx.com/signup European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2014). Calculating the cost of work-related stress and psychosocial risks. Luxembourg: European Communities. ISBN 978-92-9240-420-8 Hassard, J., Teoh, K.R.H., Visockaite, G., Dewe, P., & Cox, T. (2018). The cost of work-related stress to society: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 23(1), pp. 1-17. doi: 10.1037/ocp0000069 De Lange, A., Lovseth, L., Teoh, K., & Christensen, M. (2020). Healthy healthcare: lessons learned and a new research agenda for occupational health psychology. Frontiers in Psychology – Organizational Psychology. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02236 Teoh, K.R.H., Lima, E., Vasconcelos, A., Nascimento, E., & Cox., T. (2019). Trauma and work factors as predictors of firefighters’ psychiatric distress. Occupational Medicine, 69(8-9), 598-603. Teoh, K.R.H., Hassard, J., & Cox, T. (2019). Do doctors’ perceived working conditions influence quality of care? A systematic review. Work & Stress, 33(4), 385-413.

In this episode we chat with Dr Kathryn Page, Honorary Fellow at Deakin University. Kathryn shares with us her diverse research into workplace mental health, and the current work she is doing in the area of leadership and wellbeing. We discuss the role of leaders in building psychological health and safety, some of the barriers leaders need to overcome, and what leaders can do to drive sustainable change in psychological health and safety. Katherine then provides us with two roadmaps to psychological health and safety - the "right" one, and the pragmatic one. Get FlourishDx free: www.flourishdx.com

This is a recording of a keynote delivered by Jason van Schie for AIHS. The talk focused on what a systemic approach to workplace mental health looks like and demonstrate how their risk management skills can be applied to the management of psychosocial hazards. Specifically the session was designed with the following learning objectives: - Understand what a psychologically healthy and safe workplace is - Learn the current state of psychological injuries versus physical injuries - Find out about the rapidly evolving legislative and local/international standards landscape in relation to workplace mental health - Understand what a psychosocial hazard is and common workplace examples - Learn about how health and safety professionals can use their skill set in order to improve workplace mental health outcomes PPT slides referred to in keynote: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x3YjqvYtFovf3RX8K-tQ4ZKWxNlBVaTd/view?usp=sharing Get FlourishDx for free here: https://flourishdx.com/en/signup 45003 Training Academy: www.45003.org Workplace Mental Health Audit tool: www.mentalhealthaudit.com

In this episode we chat with Dr Georgi Toma, Founder and CEO of Heart and Brain Works Ltd. Georgi gives us a comprehensive summary of the current literature on burnout, discussing differences in definitions and measures, and providing advice on what to look for in an assessment tool. She frames burnout as an organisational phenomenon, shares some of the reasons why people remain in an organisation that is causing them burnout, and offers advice for organisations in how to prevent and respond to burnout in employees. Get FlourishDx free: www.flourishdx.com

In this bonus episode of the psych health and safety podcast, Jason, Joelle and Alicia discuss the 'workplace mental health maturity continuum' and how the FlourishDx product helps companies along the journey to create psychologically healthy and safe workpalces. Workplace mental health maturity continuum: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xP2aAfu16HTXwIEAVC5uCAxe2cgnIk_C/view?usp=sharing Get FlourishDx Basic for free: www.flourishdx.com/signup 'Mature' workplaces are described as those that have more of an emphasis on shared responsibility (rather than solely individual responsibility), focus more on work design and risk (as opposed to individuals and symptoms), and apply the integrated model (mitigate illness, prevent harm, promote flourishing).

In this episode we chat with Chanel Nesci, Head of Psychological Health and Safety and Wellbeing at Bupa. Chanel shares how she and her team have approached implementation of psychological health and safety at Bupa. We chat about the different functions within her team and how they interact with the rest of the organisation, how the team came to be established, how they have built credibility and trust throughout the organisation, and where they are currently in the process of integrating psychological health and safety into Bupa's existing management systems. Get FlourishDx free: www.flourishdx.com

Lawyers and others working in the law industry have traditionally been exposed to high job demands as part of their roles. Recently these psychosocial risk factors have been linked to increased burnout and early departure from the profession. This live panel will discuss the current psychosocial working conditions in law, the effects on worker wellbeing, and what needs to change in order to protect psychological health and improve retention.

Regular co-host Jason van Schie appears as a guest on the inaugural episode of the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Asia podcast hosted by FlourishDx Chief Impact Officer Wen Li Lim of Singapore. They discuss the term mental health and how it is often stigmatised. Jason introduces Wen to the mental health continuum and the integrated model of workplace mental health. They discuss some of the differences between Asia and Australia in how workplace mental health is understood and addressed. The discuss why employers should be interested in employee mental health, including data on the severity of the issue of poorly managed mental health at work. Jason introduces the ISO 45003:2021 standard for psychological health and safety at work and how it is likely to change the way workplace mental health is done from a current focus on individuals and symptoms to systems and prevention. ISO 45003:2021: https://www.iso.org/standard/64283.html ISO 45003 Academy: https://www.45003.org Free Workplace Mental Health Audit: https://www.mentalhealthaudit.com Psych Health and Safety Podcast: https://www.psychhealthandsafety.com FlourishDx: https://www.flourishdx.com

In this episode we chat with Professor Michelle Tuckey, Professor of Work and Organisational Psychology at UniSA. She describes her research into the organisational factors that enable and reinforce bullying behaviour. She describes systems-level approaches that organisations can take to address bullying as an organisational issue rather than an individual one. She discusses how employers can respond when bullying is occurring in their organisation, and shares examples of strategies supervisors can implement to prevent bullying in their teams.

In this episode, Jason van Schie has a guest appearance on The Work Well podcast with Brian Crooke of Dublin, Ireland. They have a lively chat about the importance of 'work' in workplace mental health and Jason provides Brian with an overview of the ISO 45003:2021 international standard for psychological health and safety at work and what it means for employers. ISO 45003:2021 Standard: https://www.iso.org/standard/64283.html ISO 45003 Academy (Free training on the ISO 45003:2021 standard): www.45003.org The Work Well Podcast: https://www.workwellpodcast.com/

In this episode we chat with Dr Laura Kirby, Chief Mental Health Officer at Commonwealth Bank Australia. We discuss the psychosocial hazards in the banking industry, the impact of the findings from the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry and how they relate to psych health and safety in banking, and what changes are underway as a result. We discuss some of the challenges associated with integrating psychosocial risk management approaches into an existing financial risk management framework, noting some similarities and differences between financial and major hazard risk frameworks. She shares some of the differences she has experienced working internally in a large bureaucracy compared to her previous role working as a consultant. SafeWork NSW's Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry: https://financialservices.royalcommission.gov.au/Pages/default.html Corporate Mental Health Alliance Australia: https://cmhaa.org.au/

In this episode we chat with Tony LaMontagne, Professor of Work, Health & Wellbeing at Deakin University. Tony shares insights from his research, explains why a model or framework is an important foundation for a psych health and safety strategy, and discusses the differences between his integrated model of psychological health and safety, the public health model, and the thrive at work model. He shares practical examples of how his model has been applied, provides advice for organisations developing their psych health and safety strategies, and a whole lot more in this extra-long episode! LaMontagne AD, Martin A, Page KM, Reavley NJ, Noblet AJ, Milner AJ, Keegel T, Smith PM (2014): Workplace mental health: developing an integrated intervention approach. BMC Psychiatry. 2014 May 9;14:131. Available open access: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-14-131. LaMontagne AD, Shann C, Martin A (2018): Developing an integrated approach to workplace mental health: A hypothetical conversation with a Small Business Owner. Ann Work Expo Health; 62(suppl_1):S93-S100. doi: 10.1093/annweh/wxy039. Martin AJ & LaMontagne AD (2018): Applying an integrated approach to workplace mental health in SMEs: A case of the “too hard basket” or picking some easy wins? In Organizational Interventions for Health and Well-being, A Handbook for Evidence-Based Practice Organizational Interventions. (Eds Nielsen K, Noblet A,), Routledge, Taylor & Francis Publishing, UK, Chapter 8, pp: 195-219. LaMontagne AD, Martin A, Page KM, Reavley NJ, Noblet AJ, Milner AJ, Keegel T, Allisey A, Papas A, Witt K, Smith PM (2019): Developing an integrated approach to workplace mental health. In Total Worker Health: Integrative Approaches to Safety, Health & Wellbeing (Editors: Hudson HL, Nigam JAS, Sauter SL, Chosewood LC, Schill AL, Howard J), Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA), Washington DC. Chapter 12, pp: 211-228. Good practice framework for mental health and wellbeing in police and emergency services organisations (beyond blue, 2020) The Australian National Mental Health Commission’s National Workplace Initiative (in development). https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/Mental-health-Reform/National-Workplace-Initiative WHO Work and Mental Health Guide (in development). See https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health-in-the-workplace and https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/guidelines_mental_health_work/en/#:~:text=Work%2C%20including%20working%20conditions%2C%20is,and%20well%2Dbeing%20of%20workers Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/ Promoting Positive Mental Health in the Workplace – Guidelines for Organisations (2015). http://www.superfriend.com.au/supporters/research/promoting-positive-mental-health-in-the-workplace-guidelines-for-organisations Workplace Prevention of Mental Health Problems, Guidelines for Organisations (2013): https://mhfa.com.au/cms/guidelines#mhfaprevent Guidelines on Providing Mental Health First Aid in the workplace (2016): https://mhfa.com.au/resources/mental-health-first-aid-guidelines#mhfaworkplace Workplace mental health resources for small business (beyond blue): https://www.headsup.org.au/healthy-workplaces/for-small-businesses LaMontagne AD and Keegel T (2012): Reducing Stress in the Workplace: An Evidence Review, Full Report. Melbourne: Victorian Heath Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), 52 pages. Open access at http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/workplace Worksafe Victoria: Preventing and Managing Work-related Stress – A Guidebook for Employers. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/resources/preventing-and-managing-work-related-stress-guide-employers

Gaining top management and Board support for workplace mental health has always been difficult. This is likely due to a disconnect between what HR and wellbeing leaders want and what the Board believes is their business. Countless ROI research reports have been published internationally by reputable business consultancies on the positive financial benefit of workplace mental health initiatives – but no matter how large this ROI figure is – it has not been able to create substantive changes in how companies care for the mental health of their employees. Sustainability is a growing priority for companies and their boards wanting to improve reputation, increase investment and improve market valuations. It’s no longer good enough to be profitable, investors now expect companies they put their capital into to have business practices that are sustainable in relation to carbon footprints, labour policies, board makeup (also known as ESG). Social impact is the ‘S’ in this equation and is about how company practices affect employees, workers in the value chain, customers, and local communities. Is the growing importance of social impact on Board agendas the ‘golden ticket’ for those that have been advocating for improved workplace mental health? Are the popular methods for workplace mental health enough to demonstrate social impact, or is there a need to move to more systematic, risk-based approaches to psychological health required? And how do we measure social impact anyway? Join us in this engaging live panel event with regular co-host Jason van Schie, GM EHS Fresh Country Farms Wade Needham, GM People Risk QBE Rob Kosova and Georgina Camp - CEO and Founder of Huber Social. QBE: Premiums for Good: https://www.qbe.com/au/about/sponsorship-community/premiums4good Huber Social: https://hubersocial.com.au/ People Management UK. Wellbeing classes do not improve workers’ mental health, research suggests: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/news/articles/wellbeing-classes-do-not-improve-workers-mental-health-research-suggests Leka & Jain (2010). Health Impact of Psychosocial Hazards at Work: An Overview. World Health Organization, Geneva. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44428

In this episode we chat with Hayley Farrell, Wellbeing Business Partner Lead for Emcor UK. Hayley shares her experience of the process of adopting ISO 45003 in a large company. She discusses the importance of including psychological health and safety as a strategic objective underpinning successful implementation, and describes how different functions across the organisation are able to collaborate and integrate when required. She shares tips for organisations in the early stages of implementation, including examples of what genuine leadership support looks like.

In this episode we cross over with the Be Verdant podcast hosted by Dr Allessandria Polizzi (Boston, USA). Jason is interviewed by Allessandria and he breaks down the new global standard for psychological health and safety, ISO 45003:2021. We talk about how to identify psychosocial hazards and risks as companies begin to understand how best to approach the emotional wellbeing of employees with all stakeholders in mind. Given the Be Verdant audience is largely from HR, there is a slightly different spin that Jason put on this. ISO 45003:2021 Standard: https://www.iso.org/standard/64283.html Free ISO 45003 Foundations training course: https://www.45003.org

In this episode we chat with Dr Jacqui Wilmshurst, Chartered Psychologist and Director of Safety in Mind. Jacqui shares her experiences in working with content moderators in social media, and journalists in news media. We discuss the risk of vicarious trauma arising from exposure to graphic or disturbing content, along with the "normal" psychosocial hazards arising from the design of work. Jacqui shares examples of how psychological risk can be reduced for content moderators while still enabling them to do their job, and discusses the challenge social media companies face in protecting their users from harmful content by exposing their employees to that content. We talk about the typical consequences of poor management of psychosocial hazards for content moderators. We discuss the role of the users of social media as content creators, and consider whether there is an opportunity for greater public awareness of the impact of user content on moderators. www.safetyinmind.org

In this episode, Jason Van Schie fills in for Peter Kelly and co-hosts with Shiela Lord on the UK Psych Health and Safety Podcast. Sheila and Jason speak with special guest Kate Field, Global Head Health, Safety and Wellbeing at British Standards Institution. Kate speaks initially about the standard ISO 45001 and then she explains why it was necessary to write the new ISO 45003 as a supporting standard and how it was developed. She then speaks about the benefits of the new standard and how it helps organizations to put in place psychological health and safety at work. In conclusion, Kate speaks about the certification of ISO 45003 and gives a valuable piece of advice to business leaders and HR managers. ISO 45003:2021 Standard: https://www.iso.org/standard/64283.html Free ISO 45003 Foundations training course: www.45003.org

In the 24 August edition of Psych Health and Safety Live! Alica and Jason delve deeper into Monday's podcast (episode 48) with Dr Jan Smith and the discussion on psych health and safety in healthcare.

In this episode we chat with Dr Jan Smith, Director of Healthy You. We discuss the current state of psychological health and safety in healthcare, the variability in current approaches to management, and some of the very basic control measures that healthcare organisations can implement to improve the psychological health and safety of their employees. We discuss the role of leaders in driving psychological health and safety in healthcare. Jan shares her views on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the psychological health and safety of healthcare professionals, and offers suggestions for healthcare employers to help employees recover and stay in the industry.

In this episode, Jason and Joelle further unpack the two call for action from the Business in the Community report: What if your job was good for you? These two calls to action include: - Achieve parity between the management of physical health and safety and mental health and safety with an open and accountable culture - Enable employees to create their own ‘good jobs’ supported by managers and aligned with organisational practices and policies Joelle and Jason debate why psych health and safety has lagged behind physical health and safety, what have been some of the potential barriers of widespread adoption, and potential triggers for companies to take action. They also discuss the idea of job crafting and andwer a number of audience questions live. Business in the Community 'What if your job was good for you?' report: https://www.bitc.org.uk/report/what-if-your-job-was-good-for-you/

In this episode we chat with Louise Aston, Wellbeing Campaign Director at Business in the Community (BITC). Louise is a co-author of the BITC paper "What if your job was good for you?" and takes us through the important elements of the report during this episode. We chat about the statistics cited in the report and the practical implications of these. Louise describes the BITC Workwell model, and in particular what the "better work" element of the model looks like in practice making reference to a case study from the report. Finally, we discuss the two calls to action for business arising from the report and consider how these might be achieved. https://www.bitc.org.uk/ https://www.bitc.org.uk/the-responsible-business-map/ https://www.bitc.org.uk/report/what-if-your-job-was-good-for-you/

In this episode Jason and Alicia further unpack what a psychosocial risk assessment is (and isn't). A friend of the regular podcast make a surprise guest appearance (and the discussion goes off track predictably for a bit!). Jason discusses deficincies of popular approaches to psychosocial risk assessment and Alicia discusses necessary steps to consider before rushing into an assessment. Jason and Alicia answer listener questions about obtaining top management buy in to a risk assessment process and also how line managers can have psychosocial risk discussions with their employees during remote working arrangements. FlourishDx's free psychsocial risk assessment online training: https://www.45003.org/courses/how-to-conduct-a-psychosocial-risk-assessment

With psychosocial risk assessment being a key component of ISO 45003 (as well as a WHS legal obligation in many countries), why is it not more common place? This episode will replay the free live panel where guests Angela Martin (UTAS/Pracademia), Adam Nebbs (UTAS) and hosts Joelle Mitchell and Jason van Schie discussed current practice for psychosocial risk assessment, it's value and limitations, and point towards where practice has to go for it to be effective in understanding psychological injury risk. Vic Health: Estimating the economic benefits of eliminating job strain as a risk factor for depression UTAS: An integrated approach to workplace mental health

In this episode we chat with Tina Balachandran, Founder and Chief Consulting Psychologist at Flourishing Minds. Tina gives us some insights into the state of psychological health and safety in Qatar, and describes improvement initiatives currently underway via the National Mental Health Framework. She discusses the implications of the high proportion of expatriates in the workforce and the unique psychosocial hazards experienced by this group of workers, and shares some examples of organisations who have taken proactive steps to support the mental health of expatriate workers in Qatar. https://www.flourishingminds.net/ https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/strategies/Supporting-Strategies-and-Frameworks/SummaryNationalMentalHealthFramework2019-2022/Pages/default.aspx

In this episode we chat with Derrick O'Keeffe, Head of Division - Safety & Integrity at NOPSEMA. Derrick gives us an overview of the Australian offshore petroleum legislation and shares some planned amendments to the Act to provide greater protections for the psychological health and safety of offshore workers. He discusses the approach that NOPSEMA takes in relation to psychological health and safety, and shares an example of enforcement action taken against an offshore employer. He discusses recent trends in the offshore petroleum industry and their contribution to the mental health of the offshore workforce, and shares his views on the likely challenges ahead for the industry. https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/offshore-oil-and-gas-safety-review-0 https://www.nopsema.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021-03/A724699.2.pdf https://www.nopsema.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-03/A717587.pdf https://www.nopsema.gov.au/blogs/call-action-offshore-worker-mental-health-survey

In this very special episode, we introduce listeners to Alicia Papas, clinical psychologist, PH&S industry expert, and newest addition to the FlourishDx team! Alicia shares her experiences in implementing a psychological health and safety management system at a large university, discusses the important role that line managers play in creating a psychologically healthy and safe workplace, and provides some advice on how to achieve support from top management for a psychological health and safety program. We discuss some of the key projects Alicia will be working on in her new role as Head of Customer Success, and announce a new content pillar for the Psych Health and Safety Podcast - 'FlourishDx Live' - commencing mid-August.

In this episode we chat with Anna Feringa, workplace mental health consultant and Director at Anna Feringa Consulting. We discuss why psychological health and safety should be addressed in emergency preparedness and return to work systems. Anna shares her experiences in helping organisations incorporate considerations of psychosocial factors into their emergency preparedness and response plans, and their rehabilitation and return to work processes, and describes some of the outcomes for employees when psychosocial factors are not taken into account in these systems. https://annaferinga.com.au/

In this episode we chat with Desi Vlahos, Mentor and Lawyer at Leo Cussen Centre for Law, and Wellbeing Taskforce Member for the International Bar Association. Desi shares with us how she became interested in becoming an advocate for lawyer mental health, and describes some of the work she is doing with the International Bar Association Wellbeing Taskforce. She discusses the psychosocial hazards affecting lawyers, the potential consequences of those hazards, and speaks to the rates of burnout and attrition among early career lawyers. Desi shares her views about the causes of these hazards, and suggests a way forward for the design of work within law firms to create a sustainable competitive edge in the new world of work. Norm Kelk et al, ‘Courting the Blues: Attitudes towards Depression in Australian Law Students and Lawyers’ (Report, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, January 2009) - BRMI Report https://www.ibanet.org/Mental-wellbeing-in-the-legal-profession - IBA Wellbeing Survey https://mindscount.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TJMF-workplace-wellbeing-guidelines-.pdf - Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation Best Practice Guidelines https://www.lawcouncil.asn.au/policy-agenda/advancing-the-profession/equal-opportunities-in-the-law/national-report-on-attrition-and-re-engagement - NARS Survey https://lsbc.vic.gov.au/resources/lawyer-wellbeing-report - Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner Lawyer Wellbeing Project http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/lpulascr2015658/index.html- Legal Profession Uniform Law Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2015 Kozarov v State of Victoria [2020] VSC 78, in which a former public prosecutor was awarded damages due to her employer’s failure to take reasonable steps to protect her from mental harm in her employment. Victoria v Kozarov [2020] VSCA 301 (24 November 2020) Kozarov v State of Victoria [2021] HCATrans 101 (21 May 2021) Special leave granted for High Court Appeal)

In this live panel with co-host Jason van Schie and guests Peter Kelly and Mary Ann Baynton, Peter and Mary Ann share the history of the development of the UK and Canadian standards, and we chat about ISO 45003, the new standard for workplace psychological health and safety. A read-only version of the standard is available for free here: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:45003:ed-1:v1:en AIHS position paper: https://www.aihs.org.au/sites/default/files/PS%20AIHS%20Psychological%20Heath%20and%20Safety%20at%20Work.pdf https://www.45003.org/

In this episode we chat with Carolyn Haybittle, Occupational Health Nurse and Principal Health Advisor at Newcrest Mining. Carolyn gives us an overview of what an Occupational Health Nurse does and their contribution to workplace psychological health and safety. She shares her views on the main psychosocial hazards experienced by mine workers, and discusses the broad range of control measures that Newcrest has in place to mitigate those hazards across the employment lifespan.

In this episode we chat with Emily Pearson, Managing Director and Founder of Our Minds Work. Emily shares with us the typical approach taken by organisations to implement Mental Health First Aid, and highlights some of the hazards that this approach can create. She discusses the risks that Mental Health First Aiders can be exposed to, and shares with us her recommended approach to mitigate these risks. She describes a scaffolding of safe implementation, infrastructure, recruitment, monitoring and review necessary to safeguard Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace. https://www.ourmindswork.com/

In this crossover episode with the UK Psych Health and Safety Podcast, co-host Joelle Mitchell chats with Peter Kelly and Sheila Lord about ISO 45003, the pitfalls of individual coping focused psych health and safety strategies, the importance of upskilling leaders to be able to respond to psych health and safety concerns with empathy and compassion, and ensuring that there are appropriate organisational systems and mechanisms in place to support leaders in doing so.

In this episode we chat with Lucinda Brogden, Chair and Commissioner of the Australian National Mental Health Commission. We discuss the current state of workplace psychological health and safety in Australia, and Lucy shares her observations on the individual wellness-based approaches compared to systems level interventions. Lucy describes what the National Mental Health Commission is currently working on, and shares what we can expect to see from the Commission within the next few months. She discusses the recent agreement by Australian WHS Ministers to make Regulations dealing with psychological health, and the implications of that agreement. https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/Mental-health-Reform/National-Workplace-Initiative https://www.comcare.gov.au/collaborativepartnership https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/mental-health-reform/national-workplace-initiative/mentally-healthy-workplaces-during-covid-19 https://superfriend.com.au/resources/itw/

In this episode we chat with Louise Hosking, IOSH President-Elect. Louise gives us an overview of IOSH and the work it has been doing in the area of psychological health and safety. She shares her views on the role of the OHS Generalist in psych health and safety, and the skills and knowledge that Generalists can use in this field. She discusses 'Work 2022' and shares her views on why health and safety is a necessary part of Human Capital. https://iosh.com/resources-and-research/resources/workplace-wellbeing-white-paper/ https://iosh.com/more/iosh-means-business/healthy-profit/#:~:text=The%20healthy%20profit%20is%20a,to%20social%20and%20commercial%20pressures. https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/assets/docs/stress-talking-toolkit.pdf

In this powerhouse first live panel event for the podcast, hear from leading experts on the application of risk management approaches to the prevention of psychological injuries at work. Psychological health and safety is getting a lot of air time at the moment - but the information currently available on how to manage psychosocial risk at work can be confusing, and might even seem contradictory. In this session, our panel of leaders in this field will break it down to the basic elements of risk management to help you understand: - the steps you can take right now to start to manage psychosocial risk - the information and supports available to help you - where the gaps are currently in the research and applied guidance, and how to navigate them. UK HSE Management Standard National Standard of Canada for psychological health and safety in the workplace SafeWork Australia: Work-related psychological health and safety: A systematic approach to meeting your duties ISO 45003 (Draft): Occupational health and safety management — Psychological health and safety at work : managing psychosocial risks — Guidelines SafeWork NSW: Draft NSW Code of Practice Managing the risks to psychological health UK: Labour Force Survey - Self-reported work-related ill health and workplace injuries SafeWork Australia: Australian Workers’ Compensation Statistics 2018-19 SafeWork NSW: Psychological Injury Claims