Dr Tessa Bailey, CEO The Opus Centre

A CEO chairing a meeting of the management in her organisation

Dr Tessa Bailey, is a dedicated psychologist with a passion for improving workplace mental health and productivity. With over a decade of experience in both academic and applied settings, she has developed a deep understanding of psychosocial risk management and organisational psychology.

Dr. Tessa Bailey is a leading expert in psychosocial safety and workplace mental health. As CEO and Principal Psychologist at the OPUS Centre for Psychosocial Risk, she develops evidence-based strategies to enhance worker health and productivity.

 With over a decade of experience in research and applied practice, her expertise involves building organisational systems and sustainable workplace interventions to better manage psychosocial risk. She has collaborated with diverse industries, government agencies, and academic institutions to create healthier and more productive workplaces. A published author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Bailey’s work has been cited in national policy reports, international publications and in 2019 she won the Ian Davey award for the most outstanding PhD thesis at the University of South Australia.

Professional Experience

The OPUS Centre for Psychosocial Risk

CEO and Principal Psychologist (March 2021 – Present)

As the CEO, I provide resources and support to my team to achieve shared goals and deliver quality outcomes. As the Principal Psychologist, I consult with various industries to build individual capability and organisational capacity for managing work-related factors that improve worker health and productivity.

Key Projects:

    • WorkEsteem Programme: Evaluates workforce management systems to protect worker psychological health.
    • Psychosocial Risk Assessment: Using evidence based lead indicators to identify psychosocial risks and design controls for management.
    • Consulting: Delivers WHS and HR-based training, webinars, and coaching services.
    • Campaigns: Collaborates with Industry, Unions and Universities to better manage psychosocial factors and improve worker mental health.

University of South Australia

Research Fellow (August 2020 – March 2021)

Led large-scale research projects, including the Australian Workplace Barometer, to translate academic research into applied practice with measurable industry impact.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship (June 2018 – June 2019)

Analysed psychosocial risk factors for public sector workers and developed evidence-based recommendations for improving worker wellbeing.

Comcare Internship (Dec 2017 – March 2018)

Explored the application of leading indicators for worker health and productivity, informing future policy and practice initiatives.

Konekt Australia Pty Ltd (March 2010 – March 2011)

Provided rehabilitation and early intervention services, developing return-to-work strategies and goals.

 

Education & Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Social Science – Psychology), University of South Australia (2013 – 2018)
    • Thesis: “Psychosocial factors at work and the Psychosocial Safety Climate framework”
    • Awards: Ian Davey Award for most outstanding thesis at the University of South Australia 2019, multiple scholarships
  • Masters of Psychology (Work & Organisational Psychology), University of South Australia (2006 – 2009)
  • Bachelor of Psychology, University of South Australia (2002 – 2004)
    • Dean’s Merit List

Publications

I have authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and industry reports. Some notable publications include:

  • “Work-related psychosocial and physical paths to future musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)” (Safety Science)
  • “Building psychosocial safety climate in turbulent times: The case of COVID-19” (Journal of Applied Psychology)

Professional Development

I have facilitated over 100 workshops, webinars, and presentations on topics such as worker psychological health, leadership roles, and psychosocial risk management.

Awards & Grants

  • Research Associate for successful tender with NSW Centre for Work Health and Safety (2020)
  • Named Research Associate for ARC Discovery funded project (2019)
  • Ian Davey Award for most outstanding PhD at UniSA (2019)

Memberships & Affiliations

  • International Commission Occupational Health
  • Asia Pacific Academy for Psychosocial Factors at Work
  • Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency

Contact Me

Feel free to reach out to me for collaborations, consultations, or speaking engagements.

  • Email: Tessa.Bailey@opuscentre.com.au