Not Just Red Tape: The Hidden Power of Psychosocial Hazards in Reducing Anxiety

Are psychosocial hazards just one more compliance issue for both the HR and WHS teams? Do you feel like the rules keep expanding and the workload keeps piling up? 

If so, you’re not alone—and it’s completely understandable to feel that way. With so many responsibilities already on your plate, it can be easy to see this as just another box to tick. 

But what if Anne Goodall from The Healthy Workspace, was to suggest that psychosocial hazards actually give us insight into what’s really driving anxiety at work? After nine years as a therapist, she has seen how things like unclear expectations, constant urgency, or feeling unsupported can quietly build stress and disengagement. When we start paying attention to these risks, we’re not just being compliant—we’re addressing the root causes of anxiety and improving the overall health of the workplace.

From this talk, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on psychosocial hazards—not as red tape, but as a powerful lever for positive change. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how anxiety shows up at work, what’s driving it, and a set of practical tools you can start using right away to reduce it within your team.

DATE: 26 June 2025

TIME: 9.00am to 10.00am

VENUE: AITKEN LEGAL, LEVEL 2, 20 INNOVATION PARKWAY, BIRTINYA

ABOUT ANNE GOODALL

With over 25 years in the workforce, Anne has experienced both positive and challenging workplace cultures. This journey has equipped Anne with a deep understanding of the crucial importance of employee mental wellbeing and the need to address psychosocial risks in the workplace. Throughout her career, Anne has successfully managed teams in the corporate environment, established a successful therapy practice and helped clients escape the cycle of anxiety, depression and addictions.

It has been a combination of both personally experiencing the impact of a psychologically unsafe work environment, the experience of having a family member struggle with the impact of workplace bullying and the countless number of clients that Anne has helped regain their confidence after workplace struggles that has led Anne to take her expertise into the workplace environment.

However, it is worth noting that the issues are not always caused by the work environment and its processes. Anne has also worked with many business managers and leaders and owners who have experienced extreme stress due to having staff members that blame their employer for their life circumstances, when these circumstances are in no way related to their work.

Based on Anne’s experience, especially from her clinical setting, Anne would agree that the Psychosocial hazards that have been identified by Worksafe Australia account for the vast majority of incidents in the workplace.

At the Healthy Workspace, Anne and her team offer psychosocial hazard audits, training for both leaders and team members, and workplace wellbeing programs designed to enhance mental wellbeing in the workplace.

Anne’s approach is rooted in fostering supportive, inclusive environments where employees can reach their true potential both inside and outside of the work environment.