Psychosocial safety is a growing priority across Australian workplaces. Recent legislative reforms, updated codes of practice and increased awareness of mental health have placed a spotlight on the need for employers to manage psychosocial risks with the same rigour as physical hazards. Industries where remote work, emotional demands and complex stakeholder relationships are part of daily operations, including energy, construction and agriculture, face particular challenges in this space.

At Windlab, we recognised early that these risks are not just theoretical. They influence how people feel, how they work and how they connect. In late 2022, we launched a company-wide initiative to strengthen psychosocial safety across our business. Our goal was to build a workplace culture where wellbeing is supported through leadership, systems and everyday interactions.

| We acted early, not because we had to, but because it mattered.

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Why it mattered

Our teams work across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT, often in regional locations and fast-paced environments. The nature of our work means our people regularly navigate complex relationships, high expectations and change. We wanted to ensure our systems and leadership practices reflected this reality and empowered our people to thrive.

| Psychosocial safety is essential to performance, engagement and long-term success.

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Our approach

We took a structured, inclusive approach:

• Consultation began in December 2022 through the WHS Working Group
• A Psychosocial Risk Assessment was conducted using the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Toolkit
• The People at Work survey was delivered in early 2023 to gather employee insights
• Focus groups were held with leaders and staff to interpret results
• A targeted action plan was developed with leadership support
• SmartCulture was engaged to deliver keynote sessions and build a speak-up culture

| Our systems reflect the realities of our work and empower our people to thrive.

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Implementation

The initiative was rolled out over 12 months and involved every level of the organisation. Regular wellbeing check-ins, updated policies and leadership training helped embed the changes. We also engaged external experts to review our systems and ensure alignment with ISO 45003:2021, the international standard for managing psychosocial risk.

| Every leader understands their role in supporting wellbeing.

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What changed

• 75 percent employee participation in the People at Work survey
• Improved leadership capability and wellbeing conversations
• 100 percent compliance rating in our psychosocial systems review
• Stronger culture of openness, trust and shared responsibility

| Psychosocial safety is now part of how we operate.

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Looking ahead

This initiative has laid the foundation for continuous improvement. Psychosocial safety is now embedded in our onboarding, change management and daily leadership practices. We continue to listen, learn and evolve, creating a workplace where people feel safe, supported and empowered.

| We continue to listen, learn and evolve.