The word ‘psychosocial’ refers to the interaction between an individual’s thoughts and behaviours with the different elements of their social experiences. In the workplace, the way tasks are designed, how the working environment is structured, how management is practiced, and how well coworkers engage and relate with one another are all relevant psychosocial factors, and each can influence how effectively, productively and safely employees do their jobs. They can also have an impact on workers’ job satisfaction and overall well being.
Psychosocial fitness is the capacity to handle the psychosocial demands of a job through qualities like mental resilience and strong social skills. These are crucial in high-stress environments like heavy industry, mining, and FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) operations, where long hours, intensive physical labour in teams, and environmental isolation are all part and parcel of the job. Psychosocial fitness is a more relevant everyday professional concern for most workers than mental health, which is a more clinical concept that refers to the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders, which affect a smaller percentage of the workforce.
Among heavy industry professionals, psychosocial hazards such as stress, fatigue, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions are much more common and pronounced than they are for professionals in other industries. By focusing on psychosocial fitness, companies can better comply with their legal requirements and regulatory obligations while also creating a safer, more productive work environment in which all employees have an opportunity to do their best possible work and thrive in their jobs.
