Psychology at Work
The Psychology at Work (PAW) Research Group brings new insights from the science of psychology to address complex work problems. Our research team are leading experts across organisational, social, personality, cognitive, and cultural psychology, and psychometrics. We have extensive experience working with industry and government partners to co-design innovative, practical, and evidence-led solutions. Our research is supported by the Australian Research Council, as well as state and local government, and industry partner funding.
Research focus
- Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Leadership in Organisations
- Organisational Change
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
- Psychosocial Risk and Resilience
- Organisational Decision Making
- Program Evaluation
- Psychometrics at Work
- Promoting Safe Workplace Behaviours
- Behaviour Change Interventions
- Professional Selection Strategies.
Our researchers
- A/Prof Emina Subasic (Director of Research Group)
- Dr Heather Douglas
- Dr Melissa Freire
- Dr Cassandra Gauld
- Dr Laura Wall
- Dr Rebecca Allen
- Jessika Tisdell
- Kirsty Richards
Current projects
- Team Performance PLUS - An industry collaboration led by Dr Heather Douglas and A/Prof Emina Subasic with TeamHive, an evidence-based team effectiveness platform developed in partnership with the University of Newcastle, using a validated framework to measure and improve team dynamics across Purpose, Learning, Unity, and Shared Leadership.
- Advancing Workplace Gender Equality through Effective Allyship - ARC Discovery Project examining when, why, and how allyship can effectively advance gender equality in the workplace.
- Web-based Education to Reduce Young Drivers’ Smartphone Use – Project funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
- Road Safety Messages to Reduce Young, Regional Drivers’ Phone Use - A collaboration with Transport for NSW and UON Creative Industries. Funded by Transport for NSW
- With the Centre for Construction Safety and Wellbeing, we are collaborating on projects such as:
- National PPE Policy and Uniform Standards - a project funded by Hansen Yuncken, investigating the impact of higher-order PPE interventions to reduce physical injuries in an Australian commercial construction company.
- Supporting Injured and Deceased Family Members (Restorative Justice) – Examining the role of restorative justice approaches in supporting families of those affected by serious workplace incidents, with a focus on psychological outcomes and recovery.
- Reducing Psychosocial Hazards to Mental hHealth for Construction Apprentices– Identifying and addressing key psychosocial risk factors affecting apprentices, with the aim of informing early intervention strategies and improving mental health trajectories in the industry.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.