The latest workplace regulation updates you need to know - and how to navigate them
For business leaders, the workplace health and safety landscape is ever evolving. In this month's newsletter, we've got resources to help you navigate the recent regulatory updates around psychosocial risk, plus a full debrief on what you need to know about the new ‘Right to Disconnect’.
With insights from the experts at Australian Psychological Services , plus Sonder's legal team, you can ensure compliance and enhance employee wellbeing in your workplace.
New guide: Navigating Psychosocial Risk Management
Recent regulatory updates obligate employers to protect employees against psychosocial hazards. A number of these changes have been driven by an increase of almost 40% in claims for mental health conditions since 2018.
Despite heightened expectations from regulators, many workplaces can take greater action to enhance their approach to health and wellbeing. Sonder’s research found that 35% of employees have taken time off work in the last 12 months for mental ill-health reasons.
To stay competitive, compliant and strengthen reputation, organisations must take proactive steps to support their employees' psychological wellbeing.
This guide, created in partnership with Australian Psychological Services, explores the regulatory landscape and provides actionable steps for implementing effective psychosocial risk management.
Our latest guide includes:
? How to identify and manage psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
? The latest regulatory requirements in Australia and New Zealand.
? Practical steps to support employee wellbeing and compliance.
Psychosocial webinar series: Bringing the guide to life
Our new guide comes to life in this interactive three-part webinar series. Providing practical strategies, it adds to the insights shared in our guide, from understanding regulatory expectations to implementing and evaluating effective controls.
In part one, Mark Oostergo and Katherine Morris shared foundational advice on the importance of comprehensive risk assessments that actively involve employee consultation.
Check out the clip below, or catch up on the full webinar here .
Join us for the second webinar 'Implementing Effective Controls' on September 10th to learn how to apply evidence-based controls that address psychosocial risks holistically.
Then, tune in for the third: 'Evaluating Success' on September 25th, where we'll focus on measuring the effectiveness of your strategies, monitoring ongoing risks, and making data-driven decisions to ensure continuous improvement.
Navigating the ‘Right to Disconnect’ in your workplace
With the new ‘Right to Disconnect’ that came into effect on August 26, 2024, Australian employees now have stronger protections for their work-life balance. This legislation empowers employees to disconnect from work-related communications outside their working hours.
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"Rather than fearing punishment for non-compliance, organisations should see this as an opportunity to improve workforce management, boost productivity, and enhance employee wellbeing." Michael Bates, VP Legal at Sonder
By fostering clear communication boundaries, updating policies, and equipping leaders to model healthy behaviours, organisations can boost productivity and reduce burnout.
Explore our blog to learn how to put these new regulations into practice.
R U OK? Day: Creating a safe space for conversations
With R U OK? Day on 12th September, we’re focusing on mental health and meaningful check-in conversations. We’ve created assets and guides for our customers, to raise awareness and encourage regular check-ins.
Here are six ways leaders can create a safe space to talk about mental health at work:
1. Plan ahead: Find out what support services are available at your workplace. Ensure you have their names and numbers to hand out to others, and know what policies are in place.
2. Speak openly: You’ll be promoting a positive working environment where team members will feel more comfortable opening up and having these conversations.
3. Create a safe space: Find a private space to talk with a team member, where neither of you will be interrupted.
4. Listen carefully: Be respectful, kind, and never make assumptions about the motivations behind someone’s behaviour. With a caring tone, explain your observations and concerns.
5. Encourage action: Encourage the team member to seek support. You may not have all the answers, or be able to offer professional mental health advice, but you can help show them the pathway to support.
6. Check in: If they are is still struggling, they may not have sought support. Discuss ways you might be able to support them, such as downloading the Sonder app or arranging time off for a GP visit.
You don’t have to be a mental health expert. With Sonder your people have access to confidential mental health support around the clock. The app offers mental wellbeing resources and instant connection to our Care Specialists via call or chat.
New partnerships: Welcome to Sonder
This month, we’re excited to welcome several new customers to the Sonder platform. We look forward to supporting their team’s medical, mental health, and safety needs.
A special warm welcome to:
Cuttable : A first-of-its-kind automated content agency that combines the science of marketing and the craft of advertising with precision technology and AI.
Evolution Surgical : An Australian based and owned company specialising in spinal fusion implants and equipment.
SunCable : Developing the world's largest solar energy infrastructure network, making it possible to power whole cities with renewable energy.
Holmwood Group - Victoria: an Australian Manufacturer of high quality, heavy duty transport equipment, built for longevity in the harshest of conditions.
We love hearing from our customers on what a positive impact Sonder is having within their organisations. Huge thanks to Shejnaze Rama from Lendi Group for sharing the "really positive feedback" you received from your team, and to Parbery for sharing how Sonder resources help your team thrive in and outside of work.