Key Presentation Highlights
This session on Psychosocial Safety and Wellbeing highlighted the significance of shifting conversation away from individual mental health onto the work environment and the way work is designed. The discussion was based around sharing perspectives and experiences to consider how to co-create and establish workplaces which support staff and reduce psychosocial risks.
While a host of global events and sectoral changes are generating challenges for our stakeholders, rapidly advancing technologies and the emergence of AI are generating new work demands which create new risks and hazards. Consequently, there is a need to take both a more systematic and contextual approach to addressing psychosocial safety.
Lived experience
The discussion drew on lived experience of being part of large-scale university restructures.
Some of the key insights shared were:
- The positive impact of establishing core values and purpose statements. Developed and revised in consultation, these can provide colleagues something to share with one another, placing connection at the forefront.
- Due to the dynamic environment of higher education, it is significant to establish a balance between job demands and job resources. This entails understanding that staff will have a more difficult time if demands and resources are unbalanced.
- Connection and harmonising processes calls on reserves of resilience, patience and a willingness to sit with uncertainty. Approaching with an awareness that there are different ways to provide support and that support can be received differently is important.
- The importance of being transparent with staff and acknowledging not only the uncertainties but focusing on current responsibilities and capabilities.
- Establishing clear systems of support for staff to support student safety and wellbeing. This is particularly important as staff and researchers are increasingly engaging with students and industry which increases exposure to interpersonal challenges.
- Having regular social efforts and visible leadership can create a greater sense of collegiality and help to reduce isolation.
