The psychosocial factors described in Guarding Minds are elements that psychologically and/or socially impact the health, safety and well-being of employees, either positively or negatively. Those factors that are within the influence and responsibility of employers can include interactions with co-workers, clients, or management.

The psychosocial factors were intentionally written in the positive for the most part to contribute to solution-based thinking and avoid increasing dissatisfaction. The occupational health and safety process includes hazard identification which is described below. Note that the same validated Guarding Minds survey statements included in psychosocial factors are used in psychosocial hazards.