Police step to a healthier beat

Leadership training for senior and middle management in the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is one of several initiatives being tested to improve the psychological and physical health of QPS staff.

The results of the leadership training and other new initiatives were discussed at a Healthy Workplaces Conference in Brisbane (Monday, 6 July).

The conference, Leadership and Resilience in Policing, brought together local and international researchers and practitioners in the area of organisational psychology and occupational health.

Associate Professor Paula Brough, from the School of Psychology at Griffith University, said the project would demonstrate best practice in the management of public service workers in high-stress positions.

"We know that the leadership style of senior management often has an impact on the stress levels and job performance in subordinate workers."

"Preventing occupational stress and injury can reduce absenteeism and sick leave as well as improve staff retention and performance. Officers who are overworked and stressed are more likely to make poor decisions on the job, take time off work and lodge stress claims."

She said the training involved practical workshops and follow-up coaching over six months.

"Subjective reports indicate that the training has been well received. Participants have been positive and feel they are better equipped to manage staff better."

While the project is focussed on creating a healthier workplace, it also has the potential to save public funds. It has been estimated that about $1.5 million each year is lost through employee ill-health, psychological injury claims and under-performance. 

The Healthy Workplace Project was established with funding from the Queensland Government’s Smart State Fellowship Program, Griffith University and the Queensland Police Service.

(Source: Griffith University: Leadership and Resilience in Policing Conference, Brisbane: July 2009)