The Australian Psychological Society indicates that amongst the known features of a psychologically healthy workplace is the provision to employees of regular feedback and recognition from their employers. The wellbeing and stress levels of employees are shown to be improved if they receive this feedback.
However, late last year a survey report was released by the Australian Psychological Society indicating that more than half of working Australians reported that they did not regularly receive relevant feedback and recognition for their work.
The survey indicated a number of other measures indicative of a psychologically healthy workplace that could help reduce the stress of workers, and in many of these factors the performance of managers and employers appears to leave significant room for improvement.
Not only is the health and wellbeing of workers impacted by this, but so is workplace productivity.
Respondents to the survey indicated a range of factors which influenced their sense of wellbeing and ability to manage stress. These included:
- an employer that values workers’ contribution and cares about their wellbeing;
- a clear idea about what is expected of workers in their role;
- sufficient opportunities for learning and development;
- a supportive manager;
- an employer that provides regular feedback and recognition for employees’ work;
- an employer that is serious about safety at work;
- an employer that supports workers with physical and mental health issues; and
- an employer that supports workers who need to deal with family demands.
Employers and managers should give consideration to the ways in which the organisation’s policies, HR processes and manager attitudes may need adjusting to achieve better outcomes in relation to these factors. Not only will improvement safeguard the wellbeing of workers and help to meet PCBU obligations for the provision of a safe workplace, but productivity and turnover statistics are also likely to improve.
Please contact QRMC for more information.
