Why is psychological harm still treated like a second-class citizen - even in 2025?

WorkSafe New Zealand quietly and finally released its long-awaited guidelines for managing psychosocial risk.

No press release. No announcement. No thanks to those of us who contributed feedback.

Not surprising — but still disappointing.

Especially when I care deeply about the systems that either support or sabotage people’s wellbeing at work.

It’s a low-key launch for guidelines with serious implications.

But the content? Solid. Clear. Firm. Long overdue.

They reinforce what the law has said all along:

Organisations have a legal obligation to manage psychosocial risk.

This isn’t new — we’re a decade on from the HSWA, which mandates both physical and psychological safety.

And yet, many still treat psychological harm as optional or “soft.”

These aren’t just HR issues — they’re legal risks.

The impact of work on mental health is undeniable. Ignoring it is a failure of leadership.

The guidelines align with global best practice — like Australia’s Codes of Practice and ISO standards — but the government’s reluctance to prioritise this space sends mixed messages.

Especially when WorkSafe’s own Statement of Intent names mental health as a key focus 🤷‍♀️

Let’s be honest — if we only focus on physical safety, we’re ignoring half the picture.

Psychological harm is real, often invisible, and just as dangerous.

Organisational psychologist Bridget Jelley recently shared a stat that stopped me in my tracks:

👉 For every workplace fatality in the UK, there are 32 suicides.

Let that land.

We’ve made huge strides in physical safety over the last 30 years. It shows.

Many organisations now run it like a well-oiled machine.

So why are we still undercooking psychological health?

Harm is harm.

Mental and physical injuries deserve equal urgency and response.

They’re not in different boxes — they’re two sides of the same coin.

Break your neck? You’re off to a spinal unit.

Break down mentally? Off to rehab.

One is visible. One isn’t. Both need care. Neither should be ignored.

Let’s stop treating psychological harm like it matters less.

Let’s stop making people wait until they’re broken to be taken seriously.

Let’s do better — together.

📣 If you work in this space — have you read the guidelines? 

Are they enough? 

Are we finally heading in the right direction, or still missing the point?