The results of the 2023 Work Shouldn't Hurt Survey, the nation's largest annual Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) survey, have been unveiled, revealing deeply concerning findings regarding the state of mental health risks in South Australian workplaces.
The survey conducted annually by the Australian Council of Trade Unions gathered responses from 11,773 workers, (many of whom are accredited health and safety representatives), and sheds light on the prevalence of psychosocial hazards that are plaguing our workplaces.
Dale Beasley, Secretary of SA Unions, expressed concern over the survey's findings; "Mental Health Hazards in South Australian Workplaces are at epidemic levels. These results represent a workforce experiencing extreme levels of burnout and stress, and employers simply aren’t taking it seriously enough."
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WORKERS REPORTED THE FOLLOWING PSYCHOSOCIALHAZARDS OCCURRING IN THEIR WORKPLACE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS:
TRAUMATIC EVENTS & DISTRESS
A staggering 84% of workers reported exposure to traumatic events, distressing situations, or distressed/aggressive clients/customers.
UNFAIR MANAGMENT PRACTICES
An overwhelming 85% reported witnessing unfair practices by management within their workplace.
GENDERED VIOLENCE
35% of respondents reported experiencing gendered violence, including sexual harassment or sexual assault.
CONFLICT & POORLY MANAGED CHANGES
91% of workers reported conflict with co-workers or management, while 92% felt that changes at work were poorly managed. These figures are a stark reminder of the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms and change management practices.
STRESS
Only 2% of respondents reported never being stressed, while a staggering 66% admitted to feeling 'Always' or regularly stressed. BULLYING 74% of respondents reported experiencing bullying in the workplace, indicating a pervasive issue.
SKIPPING REST BREAKS
82% of workers were required by their employers to skip rest breaks they were entitled to, leading to increased stress and fatigue.
DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT based on sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or disability were reported by 59% of respondents.
VIOLENCE & THREATS at work were reported by 58% of survey participants.
TRAUMATIC EVENTS & DISTRESS
A staggering 84% of workers reported exposure to traumatic events, distressing situations, or distressed/aggressive clients/customers.
UNFAIR MANAGMENT PRACTICES
An overwhelming 85% reported witnessing unfair practices by management within their workplace.
GENDERED VIOLENCE
35% of respondents reported experiencing gendered violence, including sexual harassment or sexual assault.
CONFLICT & POORLY MANAGED CHANGES
91% of workers reported conflict with co-workers or management, while 92% felt that changes at work were poorly managed. These figures are a stark reminder of the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms and change management practices.
South Australia is set to introduce new regulations, effective from Christmas Day, aimed at addressing psychosocial hazards that have been increasing alarmingly in surveys over recent years.
Starting on December 25, 2023, employers will be obligated to take proactive measures to better address psychosocial hazards within their businesses. These regulations represent a crucial step forward in ensuring the mental health and well-being of South Australian workers.
"The introduction of these regulations is a great Christmas present for South Aussie workers. Until now, mental health hazards have simply not been taken seriously enough. Starting Christmas Day, employers will be required to take concrete steps to tackle mental health, the same way they do for physical safety hazards," said Beasley, emphasising the need for the regulations.
“Employers don’t need to wait until Christmas morning for employers to - this is already one of the most stressful times of the year to work. Employers should be proactively addressing mental health hazards now.”
“Delaying action until after Christmas risks injury to workers during the most stressful time for many SA workplaces. Now is the opportunity for employers to get their plans in place, before they’re exposed to action from the regulator."