Why Australia’s New Psychosocial Safety Laws Matter and How Workplaces Can Step Up
- Anna-Selina Young
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 8
From July 2025, Australian workplaces will need to meet updated psychosocial safety standards under the Work Health and Safety laws. This change highlights the importance of looking beyond physical safety and making sure workplaces also support mental and emotional wellbeing.
What Does Feeling Safe at Work Really Look Like?
Psychosocial safety is about reducing the things at work that can wear people down. This includes heavy workloads, unclear roles, bullying, or lack of support. These pressures build up and affect how people feel and perform day to day.
Why We Can’t Ignore Psychosocial Safety Any Longer
Research from Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute shows 1 in 5 Australian workers face high psychological distress linked to their workplace.
When people are struggling, it impacts the whole team. Their productivity drops and morale takes a hit. On a global scale, depression and anxiety cost the economy $1 trillion USD every year in lost productivity. This statistic informs us that supporting mental health is actually a smart business decision.
What’s Changing and What Does the New Psychosocial Safety Law Mean for You
From July 2025, businesses will need to:
Spot and manage workplace stressors that harm mental health
Train leaders to notice when someone is struggling and offer real support
Put clear policies and helpful resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and flexible work options in place
How NARA Can Help You Take Action
We partner with businesses to turn these requirements into real, practical solutions.
We offer:
Psychosocial risk assessments to understand your unique workplace challenges
Support updating policies and procedures so you meet the new standards
Training for managers and teams to build awareness and confidence around mental health
Guidance on setting up support systems that help people feel cared for and resilient
Simple Steps to Make a Big Difference
Check your current health and safety policies — are mental health risks covered?
Give your managers tools and training to support their teams
Create a culture where talking about mental health is normal and stigma-free
Make sure everyone knows how to access support services
Regularly ask your team how they are really doing — at work and beyond
The Future of Work Is Wellbeing
These new laws offer a chance to create workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and ready to do their best. When mental health is a priority, organisations meet their legal duties and they build a culture where everyone can grow.
If you are ready to make psychosocial safety part of your workplace’s everyday story, we are here to support you. Book your free discovery session with us at www.naraconsultancy.com.au/contact!
