Creating a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and connected is now essential for any forward-thinking organisation. One practical way to achieve this is by integrating a comprehensive Peer Support Officer (PSO) Program into your organisation’s wellbeing strategy.
At Altius, our team of Organisational Psychologists, Psychologists and Consultants understand the unique dynamics of workplace behaviour and the value of peer-led support in promoting psychological safety, early intervention, and an overall culture of care.
What Is a Peer Support Officer Program?
A PSO Program selects, trains, and supports employees to act as approachable contacts for colleagues facing personal or work-related challenges. These volunteer Peer Support Officers are not counsellors, but trusted peers who can provide a listening ear and guide others toward appropriate resources or professional support.
Does Peer Support Work?
PSO Programs are grounded in the understanding that humans are inherently social beings, and that good social support can be one of the most powerful protective factors for our overall wellbeing. Many employees might prefer to open up to a peer rather than a manager or even an external provider, so PSOs offer a safe, informal, and approachable first step to those seeking support.
A well-structured PSO Program can:
- Reduce stigma around mental health conversations
- Encourage early help-seeking before issues escalate
- Strengthen a sense of belonging and community amongst peers
- Complement existing supports such as EAP and HR services
Unlike one-off wellbeing initiatives or external services, PSO programs are embedded into the day-to-day operations of the workplace. They create a sustainable, peer-led support system that evolves with the organisation. Because PSOs are part of the team, they understand the unique culture, pressures, and language of the workplace - making their support feel more relevant and accessible to their peers.
Peer support also doesn’t just help individuals - it can contribute to strengthening the entire organisational culture. PSO programs can help to build trust and encourage empathy amongst colleagues and assist in creating a work environment where people feel valued and understood.
How Are Peer Supporters Different from Friends in the Workplace?
While workplace friendships are important for morale and connection, PSOs serve a very different purpose. Friends will likely offer advice based on personal opinions or shared experiences, whereas PSOs are trained and equipped with specific active listening skills, boundary-setting techniques, and referral knowledge to guide peers toward the appropriate resources. Their role is not based just on social closeness, but on trust, neutrality, and professionalism. This ensures that all employees, regardless of their social networks, have access to consistent and reliable support.
Our Comprehensive PSO Program Offering
Our Organisational Services team have the privilege of partnering with many businesses in delivering their PSO programs. Altius’ level of involvement can range from an ongoing partnership in launching, delivering, and maintaining the program, to the other end of the spectrum where businesses may have an established program and simply require our assistance in providing training or upskilling their Peer Support Officers.
Our comprehensive approach to PSO Programs typically includes:
- Policy Development: Developing policies to set clear expectations for the PSO role, in alignment with existing processes.
- Communications Package: Tailoring materials and articles to drive awareness and engagement.
- Selection: Designing and implementing a screening process to ensure the right people are selected for this important role.
- Training: Customising an onboarding training program, participant resources, and ongoing professional development opportunities to provide PSOs with the skills and confidence to support their peers effectively.
- Monitoring: Collecting and analysing data relating to the program to track usage trends and inform future program enhancements.
- Individual Support: Delivering one-on-one sessions PSOs requiring guidance or emotional support relating to their role.
Take the Next Step
If your organisation is committed to creating a mentally healthy workplace, a Peer Support Officer Program is a powerful step forward. Let’s work together to build a culture where people feel seen, supported, and safe.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can tailor a PSO Program to meet your organisation’s needs.
This article was written by Teesha Baines, Organisational Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor. A specialist in workplace wellbeing and talent strategies, she partners with organisations to build resilient cultures through data-driven psychology practices and proactive mental health frameworks.
