They’re the hidden dangers of the workplace, and if you’re not aware, these hazards can go undetected until you’re burned out. If you identify with any of the psychosocial hazards, they could be detrimental to your mental and physical health. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to improve and remove psychosocial hazards at work. In this blog, we explore common psychosocial hazards at work, why they matter, and how to identify, manage, and minimise them.

What are Psychosocial Hazards?

Psychosocial hazards are psychological and social factors that can negatively impact your work experience and have consequences for your psychological and even physical well-being at work. These hazards include those relating to your job, including security, demands, expectations, poor support, and even bullying and harassment.

Job Insecurity

Job insecurity is experienced when you feel your job is at risk or that future work opportunities with an organisation are uncertain. It directly impacts your psychological safety at work, triggering chronic stress, worry, anxiety and can contribute to depression. If you experience job insecurity, you might find it difficult to sleep and concentrate, and it can even lead to physical complaints like high blood pressure and headaches.

What to Do:

• If possible, talk to your manager or supervisor to clarify your role, future plans, and any changes causing you concern.
• Prioritise quality work to maintain strong performance.
• Invest in professional development to upskill or cross-train for other roles or careers
• Boost your professional network.

 

Work Demands & Expectations

Work demands and expectations are the physical, mental, and emotional effort required to meet job expectations. Whether your work demands exceed or underwhelm your capacity, they will have a detrimental impact on your well-being. An imbalance between demands and resources often results in exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, depression, physical ailments, and reduced job satisfaction.

What to Do:

• Acknowledge it early. Talk to your manager and present possible solutions (delegating, reprioritising, adjusting deadlines or taking on extra tasks if your workload is underwhelming and you’re bored at work).
• Take regular breaks and manage your energy
• Practice stress management

Work-related Social Isolation

Work-related social isolation occurs when one lacks meaningful interactions, support, and connections with colleagues and the wider organisation. It can occur in physical and remote workplaces and result from working alone, limited opportunities for social engagement, minimal inclusion in discussions, or feeling excluded from the workplace culture. Because we’re social creatures, connection is crucial to psychological well-being, motivation, engagement and performance.

What to Do:

• If you work remotely, schedule virtual catch-up or informal chats.
• Join team meetings, social groups or professional associations where possible.
• Access any mental health support at work if you’re experiencing isolation, which is affecting your well-being.

Poor Support

If you’re experiencing a lack of practical, emotional or professional assistance from colleagues, managers, or your organisation, you’ll likely find that the psychological burden of your job increases. As a result, you may feel stressed, helpless and burned out in the workplace.

What to Do:

• Ask for regular performance reviews
• Build relationships with peers, mentors and professional associations.
• Be honest about your support needs at work.
• Communicate with a manager or supervisor if you are struggling or lacking the tools you need to succeed in your role

Bullying or Harassment

Bullying and harassment can occur in any workplace and can have a serious impact on both mental and physical health. Bullying involves repeated, unreasonable actions directed at an individual, while harassment consists of offensive behaviours that humiliate, intimidate, or threaten someone. It’s important to identify and report these forms of antisocial behaviour to protect your well-being at work.

What to Do:

• Understand your workplace rights and legal protections
• Document incidents with dates, time and any witnesses
• Seek support from HR, union representatives or colleagues
• Raise the concern directly with the offending person if you feel safe to do so
• Seek legal advice if bullying or harassment continues

Inadequate Reward or Recognition

Your work quality and mental health will be affected if you don’t feel your efforts, skills and contribution are valued by your organisation. It’s not just about your salary but includes everything from verbal appreciation to career progression opportunities, bonuses, and organisation-wide recognition and positive feedback. If you’re not feeling appreciated, you’ll feel less competent, autonomous and relatable, which leads to feelings of frustration and resentment.

What to Do:

• Advocate for your own development opportunities
• Ask for constructive feedback and recognition (where appropriate)
• Ask for performance expectations and career development opportunities
• Keep a record of your accomplishments for performance reviews

Psychosocial Hazards Matter

If you’re affected by any of these psychosocial hazards at work, it’s crucial to talk to a manager or supervisor, not just to protect your health but also to ensure the well-being of the organisation. If there are many psychosocial impacts at the workplace, it can lead to:

• Mental and physical health impacts
• Workplace absenteeism
• Poor morale
• Legal risks
• Financial cost to the business

Don’t let the often-hidden dangers of psychosocial hazards erode your well-being and productivity at work. Whether it’s a lack of support, social connection, recognition, or even more overt hazards such as bullying and harassment, be proactive and take steps to create a safer, healthier, and more positive workplace for yourself and your colleagues.

 

Can we help you with professional development opportunities? If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself and your colleagues from psychosocial hazards, our Psychological Safety at Work Program is ideal. Simply contact one of our Course Consultants today at 1300 76 2221 or via Live Chat for information and support.