Wellbeing

Welcome to the December 2025 edition of our workplace health and wellness newsletter! As we wrap up another year, this issue focuses on a pressing topic: burnout. Recognized by the World Health Organization, burnout is a syndrome stemming from chronic workplace stress that hasn't been effectively managed. In this newsletter, we delve into the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with burnout, along with practical strategies for managing and preventing it. Burnout can lead to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, often resulting in feelings of detachment and a diminished sense of accomplishment. Identifying the early signs of burnout—such as constant fatigue, irritability, and withdrawal from colleagues—is crucial for timely intervention. Factors contributing to burnout often include excessive workloads, lack of control, and personal traits like perfectionism. To combat burnout, we recommend building personal resilience through self-care practices like prioritizing sleep, exercising regularly, and setting boundaries. Additionally, developing coping strategies and seeking support from colleagues or professionals can make a significant difference. For leaders, fostering a supportive work environment is essential. Encouraging open discussions about workload and stress, providing access to wellness resources, and promoting regular breaks can help prevent burnout among team members. As we reflect on the year, remember that sustainable performance is rooted in balance and support. By taking small, consistent steps to address burnout, we can enhance our well-being and contribute to a healthier workplace.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re excited to share our first edition of the Health for Work Newsletter, bringing you monthly psychology insights and practical tools to support wellbeing at work.

This month’s feature explores The Window of Tolerance; a framework for understanding how stress and emotions affect your ability to stay calm, focused, and connected. You’ll also find:

• Simple one-minute grounding exercises to bring you back to balance
• Guidance on recognising and managing stress responses
• A Q&A on confidentiality in workplace mental health
• A quick roundup of the latest Australian healthcare news

Australia is grappling with a surge in workplace psychosocial hazards, issues like bullying, excessive workloads, and violence that harm mental health. These account for 9% of workers' compensation claims, with a 37% rise in recent years, costing the economy $39 billion annually in lost productivity. Psychological injuries lead to prolonged absences (34 weeks on average) and higher payouts ($58,600 per claim) compared to physical injuries.

Key hazards include bullying (27.5% of claims), work pressure (25%), and workplace violence (16%). Other risks involve poor job control, unclear roles, and intrusive monitoring. New regulations across states, including a 2022 Model Code of Practice, mandate employers to manage these risks rigorously, with tools like the People at Work survey aiding hazard identification.

This week, I sat down with Adrian Kee, who has had a tough few years in the working world and has come out of the other side a much stronger person. I was eager to learn about the factors that motivated him to push forward and how he dealt with being retrenched twice. I also wanted to know how he began building his personal brand and connected with hundreds of people through his passion for hiking to create a support network, which he refers to as his tribe.

25% of Australians delayed visiting their GP in 2023-24, up from 17% the previous year, according to The Royal Australian College of GPs.

This growing reluctance to seek preventative healthcare poses significant risks for businesses, driving increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and long term health related costs.

As a result, workplace preventative health programs have become more important than ever to manage these challenges and maintain a healthy, productive workforce.