The 18 psychosocial work factors.
Psychosocial risk frameworks, including ISO 45003 and the Australian Model Code of Practice, identify a consistent set of work factors that contribute to or protect against psychological harm at work. Each of the 18 factors below is explained in depth, with evidence context, practical warning signs, control measures, and regulatory context for Australia and New Zealand.
Each page also includes a quick self-assessment that gives you a directional risk indicator for your organisation.
Work Demands
The volume, pace, and complexity of what is asked of workers.
Learning and Stimulation
Whether work offers enough challenge, variety, and opportunity for growth.
Role Clarity
Whether workers clearly understand what is expected of them.
Autonomy
The degree of control workers have over how they do their work.
Change Management
How organisational change is communicated, managed, and supported.
Work Interaction
The quality of relationships and interactions within the team and organisation.
Support
Whether workers receive adequate support from their manager and colleagues.
Leadership
The quality and consistency of management behaviour at all levels.
Organisational Justice
Whether workers experience the organisation as fair and equitable.
Job Security
Workers' confidence in the stability of their employment.
Physical Environment
How the physical conditions of work affect psychological wellbeing.
Recognition and Reward
Whether workers feel their contributions are acknowledged and valued.
Work Monitoring
How worker performance is measured, observed, and reported.
Exposure to Violence
Whether workers face the risk of physical or verbal aggression at work.
Schedule and Hours
The arrangement of working time and its effect on health and recovery.
Exposure to Trauma
Whether workers encounter traumatic events or material as part of their role.
Harassment and Bullying
Whether workers experience unwanted, repeated, or hostile behaviour from others.
Connection at Work
Whether workers feel a genuine sense of belonging and social connection.
Want to monitor all 18 factors systematically, every month?
Clearhead's Psychosocial Risk Pulse Tool gives your organisation ongoing, documented evidence of psychosocial risk monitoring across all 18 factors, aligned with ISO 45003 and regulatory requirements in Australia and New Zealand.
Talk to our team