Low Job Control
Low autonomy raises stress risks. Find out how to manage low job control hazards in your workplace.
Having little control or say over the work or aspects of the work including how or when the job is done.
Low job control is a psychosocial hazard that can occur when workers have little or no say in how their work is done. This can lead to feelings of stress, frustration, and boredom, which can have a negative impact on workers’ health and well-being.
Overall it refers to a workers agency and autonomy in how they do their work, the control over their schedule and breaks, work location and work hours. Low job control in isolation is not a hazard, however combined with other factors such as job demands and support over an extended period of time may lead to a psychosocial hazard.
Find out more about autonomy in the workplace.
Let’s Look at an Example
Jo works at a suicide support call centre, her shifts include overnight work and she works 10 hour shifts, and is mandated to come into the office. Jo has no control over the volume calls coming in or her break times, over time she starts to feel more fatigued and overwhelmed from the calls.
Risk Factors For Low Job Control
Some of the risk factors for low job control include:
- Working in a highly structured or bureaucratic environment
- Having little or no say in work tasks or decision-making
- Doing repetitive or monotonous work
- Experiencing high levels of stress
- Having poor relationships with supervisors or co-worker
Consequences
Low job control can have a number of negative consequences for workers, including:
- Increased stress levels
- Reduced job satisfaction
- Increased turnover
- Increased absenteeism
- Increased health problems, such as heart disease, anxiety, and depression
Control Measures For Low Job Control
There are a number of control measures that can be used to reduce the risk of low job control, including:
- Giving workers more autonomy and decision-making power
- Providing workers with opportunities for training and development
- Creating a more flexible work environment
- Promoting positive relationships between supervisors and co-workers
- Providing workers with support services, such as counseling and stress management programs
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All counsellors must apply to the role and are interviewed before added to the platform, must meet the criteria as per the below.- We employee counsellors, mental health social workers, mental health nurses and psychotherapists.- Qualifications in Counselling, Psychotherapy or Social Work, minimum Bachelor or Masters qualification- Minimum 3 years direct practice experience post graduation- Registration with appropriate body – PACFA Clinical registration, ACA level 2 minimum, Accredited Mental health Social worker or Clinical Social worker- Broad experience providing individual coaching, counselling and support for personal and work-related issues- How far reaching is your EAP? We have counsellors located in every major city in Australia.
What is the difference between counsellors and psychologists? 1. Qualifications & Training - Counsellor: Typically holds a Diploma or Master’s degree in counselling, or psychotherapy. Their training is focused on practical techniques for supporting mental health and well-being.- Psychologist: Requires a Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology and must be registered with a AHPRA Their training includes clinical assessments, diagnosis, and therapy.2. Scope of Practice- Counsellor: Provides talk therapy and guidance for life challenges like stress, anxiety, work issues, and relationships. They help clients develop coping strategies but do not diagnose mental disorders.- Psychologist: Can provide therapy like a counsellor but also conducts clinical assessments, diagnoses mental health disorders, and uses evidence-based treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).3. Who Should You See?- If someone needs support for personal or work-related challenges, a counsellor is often enough.- If someone is experiencing mental health concerns, like depression, PTSD, or needs a formal diagnosis, a psychologist is more appropriate.
- Counsellors only offer f2f after the initial consult.- At Foremind, all face-to-face sessions must begin with an initial online session.- The initial online session gives your counsellor the opportunity to explain exactly how their face-to-face sessions work, what options are available, and to ensure everything is properly scheduled. This helps avoid confusion and makes sure you get the best experience possible.- For sales team info; @Dylan This is because our system currently doesn't allow therapists to list separate locations and availability for face-to-face sessions, and many of our counsellors offer in-person appointments only at specific times or locations.- For example, Skai near Byron Bay provides face-to-face sessions, but only on Thursdays and with enough advance notice to arrange space and travel.- F2F sessions also need a bigger time-buffer between so they cannot be booked back-to-back.- Availability for space -- First session is counted + information to book in counselling to allow make- F2f take 3 sessions to break through pleasing tendencies - therapeutic alliance - online