When Paul Sadler Swimland (PSS), a well-established swim school, invited us to deliver training on psychosocial hazards, it was clear they were committed to making mental well-being and workplace safety a priority. Having worked closely with their team over the years, we understood their passion for cultivating a positive, engaged, and supportive work environment. This session was the next step in their journey, providing their leaders with the tools and confidence to address workplace challenges head-on.
The Challenge
Workplaces today face more than just physical safety concerns. PSS had already taken significant steps to ensure a safe workplace, but like many organisations, they were grappling with the nuances of psychosocial hazards. These aren’t always easy to spot or address, especially when it comes to stress, interpersonal dynamics, or balancing mental health concerns with performance management.
From our first conversations, it was clear that their leaders wanted to do the right thing—they just needed the right team to provide them with clarity and practical strategies. Who was expert enough to help them identify psychosocial risks in a non-confrontational way? Who knew both what the current legislation requires and, most importantly, how to practically manage these issues in a way that’s both compassionate and effective?
Bringing in the experts
PSS had been partnering with WW for a while now – having WW take care of all of its employee relations, industrial relations and HR needs. Having identified that they didn’t want this training session to be just another box-ticking exercise, they wanted facilitators who would delve into the real challenges they were facing, using practical scenarios and interactive activities to spark conversation and reflection. And that’s exactly what they got with WW’s training.
In our training, leaders explored what psychosocial hazards look like in practice, from subtle signs of workplace stress to larger issues like inappropriate behaviour or unmanageable workloads.
The training was designed to provide clarity—helping the team see how Work Health and Safety obligations align with their day-to-day responsibilities—and to empower them to take action. By breaking down complex topics into relatable, actionable insights, the session became a space where leaders felt both informed and reassured.
The session facilitator, Sandy Burriss, has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. She also works as the Operations Manager and Projects Director for Workplace Wizards, which gave her the perfect blend of skills to deliver this training with her social sciences background.
Looking back on the session, she said, “Psychosocial hazards are really important for workplaces to understand. But it’s key not to scare people off—rather, we want to show them what a positive workplace looks like in terms of behaviours, both the ones we see and experience. My goal was to ensure everyone walked away with a solid understanding of how to spot psychosocial hazards in a swim school setting, ways to reduce or even eliminate them, and how this all ties into a healthier workplace culture and better productivity.”
The impact
The results of the training were immediate. For many, it was like a light bulb moment. Concepts that once felt murky, like managing performance issues in the context of mental health, suddenly became clearer. Chris Bannister, Operations Manager at PSS, shared that it was “reassuring to know we can reach out to Workplace Wizards for guidance, and that it’s okay to address performance concerns when done the right way.”
What stood out most was the way the session brought everyone together. The interactive activities weren’t just engaging; they created a sense of shared purpose among the leaders. As one participant put it, “The training was presented so well, and the activities really got the team active and involved.”
While it’s still early days, the session has already started shifting conversations around workplace stress and well-being. Leaders are beginning to talk more openly about these issues and explore how they can make proactive changes. As one team member reflected, “It’s too soon to see big changes, but stay tuned—we’re optimistic about where this is heading.”
For us, it’s always rewarding to see the seeds of change take root. Our role doesn’t end with the training itself—we’re here to support PSS as they continue this journey, building a culture where safety and well-being are prioritised every day.
Why this matters
This session wasn’t just about compliance; it was about strengthening a culture where mental well-being is as important as physical safety. For PSS, it’s a testament to their commitment to their people—a recognition that workplace safety isn’t just about rules but about creating an environment where everyone feels supported.
From our perspective, working with a team so engaged and ready to grow is what makes this work so meaningful. As our session facilitator Sandy put it, “It’s not just about delivering the material—it’s about building trust and showing teams that these challenges can be tackled with the right mindset and tools.”
As their partner, we’re proud to continue working alongside PSS on this journey, helping them create a workplace that prioritises care, connection, and respect. If your organisation is ready to take the next step in building a safer, more supportive culture, let’s start the conversation.
Future Thinking
At the heart of every successful workplace is a culture of respect, inclusion, and proactive support. That’s why our consultants and lawyers bring years of expertise in crafting comprehensive workplace training workshops that go beyond compliance—they’re tailored to foster equality, prevent discrimination, and promote wellbeing.
For more information on our Psychosocial Hazards training and our full suite of customisable workpalce trainings, call Workplace Wizards today on 03 9087 6949 today or email at support@workplacewizards.com.au. Our team of Melbourne based employment contract lawyers and consultants can answer your queries, and discuss what actions your business could be taking.
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