Recent research confirms the negative effects of precarious employment on employee’s mental health. Research using fifteen years of data shows that hours worked, employment status and perceptions of job security and control all affect mental health.
Precarious employment is work that is poorly paid, unprotected and insecure – temporary positions, outsourced jobs, short term or zero hour contracts, casual work, labour hire etc.
In November last year the new Commonwealth Code of Practice was approved to provide employers with practical guidance on complying with changes to the Work Health and Safety Regulations that came into effect on 1 April 2023.
Job insecurity and low job control are recognised as common psychosocial workplace hazards. Some suggested controls and safe systems of work to protect against the risk of insecure work include –
- Involve insecure employees in decision-making processes and encourage questions about their employment status
- Review and adjust employment agreements and entitlements to enable more stable and secure employment opportunities
- Ensure you attribute work correctly and ensure the right employees receive recognition for achievements
- Provide systems to protect employees who raise safety concerns from discrimination
- Create an environment where employees feel they do not need to always maintain a positive impression with the employer in order to secure shifts or employment contracts
- Provide leadership and supervision that supports employees to provide input regarding work hours and arrangements
Read more: Insecure Work - OHS Reps
