New data from Allianz Australia has revealed a disturbing rise in psychological injury claims linked to workplace violence and aggression, with harmful behaviour now reaching employees at home.
Psychological injury claims stemming from assault or exposure to workplace violence now represent 12.6% of all active psychological injury claims in FY2025 - a relative increase 9.56%; over the past five years. In regional Australia, the situation is even more acute, with workplace violence-related claims rising by a relative increase 9.43% in the past year alone.
The data paints a stark picture of who is most affected. Women account for 68% of all occupational violence claims, highlighting a gendered dimension to the issue. Millennials have seen a relative increase 36% in psychological claims related to workplace aggression over five years, while Gen Z workers - many just beginning their careers - have experienced a relative increase 28% in the past year alone. Meanwhile, employees aged 50 to 60, often in leadership or mentoring roles, represent the highest proportion of active psychological claims overall.
For frontline digital roles (like call centre staff and social media managers), remote and hybrid work has exposed them to aggression via emails, messaging apps, and social media - turning personal spaces into unexpected sites of abuse and psychological harm.
“This data is a wake-up call for Australian employers,” said Brianna Cattanach, National Manager Mental Health Strategy and Delivery at Allianz. “The shift to hybrid and remote work has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life. Aggression and abuse are now infiltrating employees’ homes through digital channels—emails, messaging apps, and social media platforms—creating a 24/7 threat to psychological safety.”
Cattanach continued, “We’re seeing a new frontier of workplace harm, where the sanctuary of home is no longer immune. Employers must recognise that psychological safety extends beyond the office walls. A proactive, trauma-informed approach is essential—one that identifies early warning signs, fosters a culture of respect, and ensures every employee feels safe, supported, and protected, wherever they work.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one million Australians have experienced work-related violence. In high-risk sectors, the numbers are even more staggering: 95% of healthcare professionals report exposure to violence, 40% of health and community service workers have faced violent or traumatic events, and 12.5% of retail workers have been physically assaulted by customers, with 9% reporting being spat on. Alarmingly, school leaders and teachers have experienced a 76.5% increase in physical violence since 2011.
As these figures continue to climb, Allianz is urging HR and workplace leaders to treat psychological safety with the same urgency as physical safety. The insurer is calling on organisations to prioritise cultural change, implement robust reporting mechanisms, and support affected staff through evidence-based mental health strategies.
Australian managers and employees alike are encouraged to visit the Allianz Mental Health Hub for more information and guidance on mental health in the workplace.