Workplace wellbeing goes beyond what you can see

Whether on a building site, on the factory floor, in a busy venue or in a shop, how work is organised, the demands placed on employees, and how colleagues treat one another all play a role in creating a safe and healthy workplace. 

Supporting psychological health is an important part of workplace safety.  

High workloads, unclear roles, poor support, and bullying are among the psychosocial hazards that can put workers’ psychological health at risk. Victorian employers must identify these hazards, eliminate or reduce the associated risks so far as reasonably practicable, and review their controls.  

For small and medium businesses across these industries, putting these responsibilities into practice alongside day-to-day operations can be challenging. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers practical resources, tailored support and training to help employers get started. 

Respect is part of safety 

A respectful workplace is a safer workplace. The Victorian Chamber’s free Lead the Change program helps small and medium businesses strengthen workplace culture and prevent gendered violence and harassment. 

Available to Victorian small and medium businesses in construction, manufacturing, hospitality and retail, the program provides free webinars, workshops and training, online and in person. Businesses can join public sessions or arrange delivery for their own workplace, bringing the discussion closer to the issues their teams face. 

Understanding psychosocial risks 

Developed with support from EML, the Victorian Chamber’s Psychosocial Health Hub helps employers understand the everyday factors that can affect psychological health, from workload and role clarity to workplace relationships and isolated work. 

The hub includes factsheets, explainer videos, templates, and guides, alongside an online self-assessment to help employers identify strengths and gaps in their approach. A tailored action plan provides practical steps for improvement. 

Fostering mentally healthy workplaces 

For employers looking for more hands-on guidance, the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program provides support at no cost to eligible Victorian small and medium businesses. 

Delivered by AP Psychology & Consulting Services in partnership with the Victorian Chamber, the program pairs businesses with a dedicated consultant to assess psychosocial risks and develop a tailored psychological health and safety action plan. Short learning modules for leaders and staff, along with ongoing consultation, help businesses put the plan into practice. 

Building confidence in the team 

Training can help leaders and employees better understand workplace mental health and their role in supporting a safer environment. The Victorian Chamber’s courses include Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Essentials for Managers, Occupational Health and Safety training, and Psychosocial Hazard and Risk Awareness training. 

Creating a mentally healthy workplace starts with everyday decisions about workloads, expectations and how concerns are addressed, whether teams are working on site, across shifts or serving customers. With practical support available, businesses across high-risk industries can take steps to strengthen workplace safety and wellbeing.