Glossary

 


Term
 

Definition 

Good work design 

Good work design optimises work health and safety, human performance, job satisfaction, and business success. (Safe Work Australia, 2021)  

Mental Health 

A state of well-being in which every individual realises [their] own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her own community (World Health Organisation, 2004).  

Mentally healthy workplace 

A workplace where work is designed to be safe, and a positive workplace culture exists where workers feel valued and engaged (NSW Mentally Healthy Workplaces Strategy to 2022).  

Mental illness 

A clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with an individual’s cognitive, emotional, or social abilities (Australian Health Ministers, 2003).  

Psychosocial hazards 

Aspects of work design and the organisation and management of work, and their social and environmental contexts, which have the potential for causing psychological, social or physical harm (Cox et al., 2000).

Psychosocial hazards relate to how work is organised, social factors at work and aspects of the work environment, equipment, and hazardous tasks. Psychosocial hazards can be present in all organisations and sectors, and from all kinds of work tasks, equipment, and employment arrangements (ISO45003).  

Psychological health 

A complex interaction of the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. 

Psychological injury/
mental health conditions
or disorders  

A disorder diagnosed by a medical practitioner which includes a range of recognised cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioural symptoms. These may be short term or occur over many months or years, and can significantly affect how a person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with others (SWA, 2019).  

Psychosocial risk 

A combination of the likelihood of occurrence of exposure to work-related hazard(s) of a psychosocial nature and the severity of injury and ill-health that can be caused by these hazards (ISO45003).  

Stress 

A particular relationship between the person and the environment that is appraised by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).

It is important to note that stress in not a mental illness; however, excessive or long-term stress may lead to a physical or mental illness.  

Well-being 

Fulfilment of the physical, mental, social and cognitive needs and expectations of a worker related to their work (ISO 45003) 

Wellness at work 

Overall quality of an employee’s experience of work and performance (Warr, 1987).  

Work-related stress 

The physical and psychological response of a worker who perceives that the demand of their work or workplace environment exceed their ability or resources to cope. Work-related stress does not itself constitute physical or psychological harm or injury, but can result in an injury if stress is prolonged and or severe (SWA, 2019). 

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