Psychosocial hazards in the workplace are gaining global attention, with many jurisdictions introducing regulatory frameworks and guidelines. However, little is known about how these are implemented in practice, particularly across different business sizes. This cross-sectional online survey of 217 NSW businesses, completed by business representatives, most of whom self-identified as key Work Health and Safety (WHS) decision makers (67.3%), examined how small and medium–large businesses differ in their familiarity with the Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work, implementation activities, knowledge, barriers, and support needs. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and open-text responses were thematically analysed. Clear size-related disparities were observed. Respondents from medium–large businesses were significantly more familiar with the Code and reported undertaking more psychosocial risk-management actions than small businesses. Across all businesses, implementation activity remained low: fewer than one-third had undertaken a psychosocial risk assessment (28.6%) or implemented hazard controls (24.0%). Barriers differed by size, with respondents from small businesses more often citing limited knowledge, financial constraints, and competing priorities, while respondents from medium-large businesses reported organisational complexity and variable managerial commitment. Findings highlight a persistent implementation gap in psychosocial risk management, with small businesses facing distinct capacity constraints and unclear expectations compared to larger organisations. Participants expressed strong demand for practical, low-burden resources that translate regulatory intent into feasible action. Intermediary organisations are well placed to support this process, but their effectiveness will depend on adequate resourcing, coordination, and evaluation.
Burns et al. (Sun,) studied this question.