“Surveys can bemanaged by an external provider, who is independent of management,” suggests Professor Martin, “which allows feedback to be provided in a non-identified way.” Of course, not all businesses have the resources to engage an independent provider so simple tools, such as a suggestion box, can be just as useful. “You can tell people that it’s OK to put their problems in the box and someone will pull them out, write a list and then we’ll have a discussion.” The Tasmanian Hospitality Association has recently signed up as the Bronze partner for The Mind Games, a fun and actioned packed corporate teams event that promotes workplace wellbeing while raising funds for the Menzies Centre. Monies raised are contributing to the research of doctoral Scholar, AdamNebbs, who is cataloguing all of the different psychosocial risk assessment tools that are out there, making it easier for businesses to identify the tools most useful in their workplace. Find out more about The Mind Games at www.themindgames.com.au
are expected to regulate their emotions during interactions with customers, co-workers, managers and subordinates, which can be draining for people. Other common psychosocial risks in the industry are related to employment conditions such as insecurity and unsociable hours and staff interactions such as ‘hot-headed’ communication, incivility and at an extreme level, bullying.
Are hospitality businesses expected to manage psychosocial risks? Yes, says Professor Martin. “Legally you are required to have some way that’s reasonably practicable. In a small business, what’s considered reasonable would be different to a very large business. For a small business, the first way to start would be actually talking to your staff about it. All ways of identifying hazards rely on consultation with staff.” A common way to identify psychosocial risks is to use a survey. The People at Work tool is a free survey that can provide earlier indications of poor psychological health and safety in the workplace and can assist employers to meet their worker consultation obligations. Find out more at peopleatwork.gov.au
Pictured: THA CEO Steve Old chatting with Sherri Ring for a promotion with The Mind Games
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