Addressing Psychosocial Hazards with Objectivity and Innovation

Safe Work Australia (SWA) and the state safety bodies define psychosocial hazards as “unreasonable behavior,” with workplace bullying further categorized as “repeated unreasonable behavior.” While these definitions provide a foundation, a critical challenge remains: how do we objectively determine what constitutes “reasonable” and “unreasonable” behavior?

In practice, what one individual perceives as unreasonable may be viewed differently by the alleged offender. This subjectivity creates a gray area that can escalate tensions rather than resolve them. Addressing this requires a system that moves beyond personal biases and fosters a collaborative, fair, and objective process for resolution.

This is where the SpatzAI’s 3-step challenge app and platform provides a groundbreaking solution. It begins with team members addressing the behavior directly, with a 0. Verbal Caution (Pause), and only escalating if ignored or challenged, using the SpatzChat app at an appropriate time, to help document their spat. If the two individuals still cannot resolve their now micro-conflict, on the third attempt using the chat app procedure:

1. Official Caution (Spat)
2. Official Objection (Dispute)
3. Official Stop (Micro-Conflict)
   —then the micro-conflict is automatically posted onto the Spatz Team and AI Review (STAIR) platform. Here, input from the wider team and the Spatz AI can offer a more unbiased perspective.

By leveraging team wisdom and AI insight—integrating seamlessly with Slack and MS Teams—the process helps clarify whether the behavior was genuinely unreasonable or misinterpreted. This approach not only resolves micro-conflicts but also curates valuable data insights for the team and the AI’s continuing learning, thus reducing similar micro-conflicts in the future.

We think SpatzAI bridges the gap in psychosocial hazard management, empowering teams to address “micro-psychosocial hazards” as they arise and before they can escalate. Unlike traditional models that rely on reporting more serious or repeated infringements, the Spatz system enables immediate action before they can adversely affect teamwork and fosters a culture of fairness and accountability upfront.

SpatzAI’s innovative approach offers a scalable solution that aligns with evolving psychosocial safety standards and supports a fairer, more collaborative workplace culture. By embedding objectivity and fairness into workplace team dynamics, we can better protect every team member’s psychological safety.