The Workplace Wellness Festival held at the ICC Sydney proved to be a remarkable event for the InCheq team. Over the course of two days, we had the privilege of immersing ourselves in the company of industry leaders, experts, and businesses who all shared a common passion: creating healthy, thriving work environments that prioritise the wellbeing of employees. The event gathered visionaries from Australian organisations, tertiary institutions, researchers, technology providers and startups, all seeking to learn what is happening at the forefront of workplace wellness. 

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With a comprehensive focus on health and safety, culture, and workplace experience, the event provided a unique opportunity to highlight important issues in the current market. Some notable speakers included Simon Brown-Greaves, Chief Mental Health Officer at Australia Post, with his keynote on designing and implementing a mental health strategy for complex organisations. Along with Skye Buatava, Director of the Centre for Work Health and Safety, and Jim Kelly, Director of Health & Safe Design, both from SafeWork NSW, who explored the pressing issue of psychosocial risks in the workplace. 

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A common theme throughout the festival was the use of technology to solve current problems. Innovation and automation featured strongly through the use of apps, data management and audits. This illuminated the transformative potential of technology in addressing challenges, igniting an inclination for innovative solutions in the minds of attendees.

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As an exhibitor in the Startup Village, one thing became evident from the numerous conversations we had with attendees: the way people were talking about managing workplace psychosocial risks had changed. In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace wellbeing, a significant shift has taken place—one that has transformed the perception of psychosocial hazard management from a nice to have to a critical priority. 

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Just a year ago, engaging key decision-makers in conversations about psychosocial risks took a very different tone. While there is still a significant element of education happening, business leaders are moving from contemplation into action as they begin to implement solutions. Federal legislation mandating that employers manage psychosocial hazards under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) as of the 1st of April, 2023 has clearly had a significant impact. With the government's mandate signalling the gravity of this issue, organisations are realising the vital role psychosocial wellbeing plays in the success and sustainability of their workforce. 

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As organisations navigate the complexities of the new work health and safety legislation, the demand for a streamlined approach to psychosocial risk management intensifies, and InCheq stands ready to meet this need head-on. With a renewed sense of purpose, we left the festival energised and motivated to continue our mission of empowering organisations to effectively identify, assess, and mitigate psychosocial risks with expertise and precision at scale. 

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The Workplace Wellness Festival symbolised a collective effort to revolutionise workplace wellness and nurture the individuals who drive our organisations forward. Together, we can embrace this transformative shift and forge a future where employee wellbeing thrives, setting the stage for a new era of workplace excellence. At InCheq, we remain committed to empowering organisations and reshaping the landscape of psychosocial risk management for a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.