Empowering Employees for Open Communication Empowering Employees for Open Communication

Empowering Employees for Open Communication


Nurturing a workplace where employees feel empowered to openly communicate about psychosocial hazards is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive environment.

By creating a culture that values transparency and trust, small businesses can effectively address issues such as stress, bullying and workload imbalances before they escalate.

Tips for creating an open culture

1. Build trusting relationships, communicate with transparency and encourage open dialogue where employees feel safe expressing concerns without fear of repercussion.

2. Implement regular check-ins to gauge employee wellbeing and provide an avenue for discussing any emerging issues.

3. Provide training for both employees and managers on identifying and managing psychosocial risks effectively.

Responding effectively to reports

When reports of psychosocial risks arise, respond promptly and empathetically. Take concrete actions to address concerns, whether through counseling services, adjustments to workloads, or mediation for interpersonal conflicts.

It may be necessary, especially if your business has younger or new people managers, to provide training for them in relation to how to conduct or support an employee when they are making a report. It’s important to remain composed and supportive during conversations which may make them feel uncomfortable and this can sometimes catch inexperienced people managers off guard.

People managers are not usually clinically trained and should not take on the responsibility of attempting to provide the support for the employee themselves. For this reason, people managers must be familiar with the types of external support that they can offer to employees needing help with their mental health. Many small businesses don’t provide an EAP, which is an even greater reason to know the details of groups such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue etc.

Mary van Sambeek, HR Specialist, Business Solutions Hub, says, “Creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to speak up about psychosocial hazards is essential for fostering a psychologically safe environment. Open communication not only strengthens team cohesion but also enhances overall workplace morale and productivity.”

Business Solutions Hub supports small businesses with team-building workshops designed to enhance team cohesion, foster safer and more productive work environments, and promote psychological safety in the workplace.

Call 1300 445 687 or email us at info@businesssolutionshub.com.au for assistance today.