New tool to measure workers' mental health

SafeWork NSW has launched a new tool to measure workers' mental health across NSW workplaces.

The safety agency's new digital Workplace Wellbeing Assessment Tool (WWAT) helps employers identify psychosocial hazards and promote mental wellbeing at work. SafeWork NSW encourages businesses to explore this resource as part of broader efforts to build workplace mental health and psychosocial policies.

Why This Tool Matters for Workplace Safety

Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann, said that although 80 per cent of businesses in NSW take a reactive approach to workplace mental health, creating a mentally healthy workplace improves productivity and reduces absenteeism.

"This is not just about the mental health of your workers, this is about making the best workplace environment in your workplace both mentally and physically," Ms Mann said.

"A mentally healthy workplace provides many benefits back into the business, including increased staff engagement and productivity. But despite the benefits, many people in NSW are not aware of the role workplaces play in preventing mental health issues and supporting recovery."

How the Workplace Wellbeing Assessment Tool Supports Employers

Businesses often lack visibility over psychosocial hazards until problems escalate. This digital tool gives employers a structured way to assess wellbeing before issues affect staff and overall workplace safety.

• Identifies psychosocial hazards specific to a workplace
• Encourages proactive rather than reactive safety practices
• Supports employers in building healthier work environments
• Provides guidance that helps sustain productivity gains over time

SafeWork NSW's approach reflects a broader shift across Australian jurisdictions toward stronger safety obligations for mental health. Similar momentum is visible following new laws prioritising mental health in Victoria, along with additional mental health resources for workers in Victoria.

Building a Culture of Support

Employers seeking practical support can pair the WWAT with existing workplace policies addressing bullying, harassment, and other psychosocial risks. A well-documented bullying policy strengthens the foundation for a mentally healthy workplace and gives workers clear channels for raising concerns.

Comparable initiatives, such as the SIRA service tackling workplace mental health, reinforce that sustained support for workers requires coordinated action across safety regulators, insurers, and employers alike.

Ultimately, safety leaders who invest in tools like the WWAT are better positioned to reduce hazards, support recovering workers, and demonstrate genuine commitment to safety across their organisation.

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