Aussie Bosses Urged to Prioritise Simple Fixes for Workplace Stress

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Employers should focus on straightforward solutions to address workplace psychosocial risks, rather than immediately jumping to complex interventions, says Dr. Ross Iles, Chief Research Officer at SuperFriend.

This call to action follows a recent workshop, co-hosted by SuperFriend and Comcare, which explored practical approaches to improving work design and employee wellbeing.

During the workshop, participants examined the case of "Sara," a hypothetical call centre worker facing significant on-the-job stress. While attendees were able to identify potential hazards, Dr. Iles noted that suggested solutions often missed the mark by either being beyond the scope of Sara's role or failing to address the underlying issues.

"Sometimes people go straight to the really hard things,"

Dr. Iles said, emphasising the need for simpler, more practical measures.Instead of recommending drastic changes, Dr. Iles highlighted several effective strategies:

Job crafting: Allowing employees to make minor modifications to their roles to better suit their skills and needs.

Fostering connectedness: Scheduling short periods for team bonding at the end of shifts to improve relationships.

Good work design: Balancing job demands with employee capabilities by identifying and addressing any gaps.

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Dr. Iles stressed the importance of consulting with workers who are actually performing the roles when designing interventions.

"If you actually have people who are really familiar with the role... you're much more likely to find those smaller solutions," he stated.

This approach ensures that changes are practical and relevant to the employee's day-to-day experience. Resources such as the Future of Work Institute’s SMART work design framework and Safe Work Australia's guidelines can assist employers in identifying risks and implementing targeted interventions.

By focusing on realistic, worker-informed solutions, organisations can foster safer, more supportive work environments.

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Source:

Aussie Bosses Urged to Prioritise Simple Fixes for Workplace Stress - NSCA Foundation: Feb 2025

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