Research Updates

This page lists all research updates available on Return to Work Matters.

Research is chosen for review based on quality of the evidence and its practical value in return to work.

Requests to undertake reviews of research on particular subjects are welcome.

Click the ‘Topics’ button below to drill down into all articles and research updates on your topic of interest.

How an occupational safety approach can prevent vicarious trauma

contributorLauren Finestone

A Churchill Fellowship report calls for a fundamental shift in how organisations view and manage...

‘You look much prettier when you smile’ — emerging psychosocial risks in the hospitality industry

contributorLauren Finestone

A study identifies some new psychosocial risks in hospitality jobs and proposes a way to assess...

Let’s (not just) get physical — psychosocial hazards play a role in musculoskeletal disorders too

contributorLauren Finestone

Three recent studies show how important it is for workplaces to focus on identifying and...

Do you see what I see? — there’s safety in unity

contributorLauren Finestone

A study suggests that when employers and workers agree on what workplace risks are and how to...

A Wysa approach to recovery from work-related injury

contributorLauren Finestone

A study of an AI drive app shows that digital psychosocial interventions can improve recovery...

Do inspections by regulators prevent psychosocial risks at work?

contributorLauren Finestone

A study found that visits by inspectors can improve how companies manage psychosocial risks

Be a caring climate engineer — a roadmap for cultivating healthier and more successful workplaces

contributorLauren Finestone

Evidence shows that a caring environment can have a powerful impact on workers’ mental health...

Can work health and safety management systems address psychosocial risks?

contributorLauren Finestone

Using anonymous data in workplace risk assessments, taking the results seriously and having a...

Workplace bullying and sick leave — a 2-way street

contributorLauren Finestone

Bullying increases the risk of workers getting sick and taking time off from work, both in the...

How do regulators respond to complaints about psychosocial and physical hazards? And how should they? — Part 2

contributorLauren Finestone

A recent study reveals that when it comes to workplace hazards, work, health and safety...

How do regulators respond to complaints about psychosocial and physical hazards? And how should they? — Part 1

contributorLauren Finestone

A recent study reveals that when it comes to workplace hazards, work, health and safety...

Mind and mood — how psychosocial factors shape recovery from surgery

contributorLauren Finestone

Research shows that our emotional and mental state can influence how well we heal and bounce...

Job demands as psychosocial hazards — reducing the risks through the power of nature and virtual reality

contributorLauren Finestone

A study suggests that taking a break, getting some exercise and spending time in nature — either...

The 'wicked' problem of addressing psychosocial hazards — lessons from abroad

contributorLauren Finestone

What makes it so hard to effectively assess and implement measures to address psychosocial...