Is Your Workplace Ready for the New Mental Health Regulations?

Workplace safety in Victoria is evolving, and this time the focus is on mental health. From 1 December 2025, the new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 will take effect, giving employers clearer responsibilities to protect their team’s wellbeing.

While these changes are new, the responsibility itself isn’t. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers must already provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes psychological health, meaning mental wellbeing has always been part of an employer’s duty of care.

What’s Changing Under the New Regulations

The new regulations set clearer expectations for managing psychosocial hazards such as bullying, harassment, aggression, high workloads, and exposure to traumatic events.

Employers will now need to:

• Identify psychosocial hazards within their workplace.

• Take reasonable steps to eliminate or reduce those risks.

• Consult with employees when identifying and managing these hazards.

• Regularly review their control measures and make improvements where needed.

To help businesses prepare, WorkSafe Victoria has released practical resources and prevention plan templates. These tools are designed to make it easier for employers to assess risks, plan improvements, and maintain a healthy, supportive workplace culture.

How You Can Create a Healthier Workplace

Creating a mentally healthy workplace doesn’t have to mean big changes.

You might consider:

• Checking in with your team regularly about workload and wellbeing.

• Making sure employees know how to access confidential support if needed.

• Encouraging open communication so people feel comfortable raising concerns early.

• Training managers to recognise signs of stress or burnout and respond with care.

  
  

These small steps can make a lasting impact, helping your team feel safe, supported, and valued which is the foundation of a strong business.

At Vivid Enterprise Solutions, we believe that when people feel supported, they perform at their best. A healthy business truly starts with a healthy team.

Learn more about the new regulations and access WorkSafe’s prevention plan templates at worksafe.vic.gov.au/psychological-health

Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide general guidance and is not specific advice. We encourage you to seek tailored advice for your circumstances.