Episode 2 - Taking the ISO45003 psychological safety standards to action
Apr 11, 2022
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Jason van Schie, Co-Founder of People Diagnostix and FlourishDx, teams up with Daniela Masters, Head of Health & Wellbeing Programmes at Generali Employee Benefits. They dive into the ISO45003 psychological safety standards and their real-world applications. Discover how mental health challenges have surged post-pandemic and why tailored strategies are essential. Learn about the importance of leadership in fostering psychological safety and practical ways organizations can enhance employee well-being using international standards.
Organizations must incorporate ISO45003 standards into their mental health strategies to proactively address psychosocial hazards and improve employee wellbeing.
Line managers play a vital role in fostering a supportive work culture by effectively managing workloads and regularly engaging with team members on mental health issues.
Deep dives
Strategic Mental Health Support in Organizations
Mental health has become a critical focus for organizations, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. There is a growing realization among employers about the necessity of creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee wellbeing and addresses mental health proactively rather than reactively. For many organizations, this shift has meant moving beyond temporary measures and instead integrating mental health initiatives into the broader strategy of employee support, which includes understanding psychosocial hazards in the workplace. The ISO 45003 standards provide a framework for assessing and mitigating such risks, allowing organizations to establish long-term mental health strategies aligned with their operational goals.
The Importance of Identifying Psychosocial Hazards
Understanding and addressing psychosocial hazards is essential for maintaining employee mental health. Common hazards include high workloads, lack of role clarity, and poor interpersonal dynamics, which can lead to work-related stress and burnout. For instance, the pandemic has altered workplace dynamics, with remote working conditions introducing new stressors such as isolation and changing work relationships, while alleviating some traditional workplace stresses. Companies are encouraged to conduct thorough assessments to identify these hazards, enabling them to implement strategies that foster a healthier work environment.
The Role of Line Managers in Employee Wellbeing
Line managers play a crucial role in supporting employee mental health by shaping the work environment and addressing psychosocial factors. They can manage workloads effectively, provide clarity in roles, and engage in regular check-ins with team members to discuss ongoing challenges. It is essential that line managers receive adequate training in recognizing and addressing mental health issues, equipping them with the tools needed to create a supportive culture. By focusing on their ability to influence work design and employee engagement, line managers can significantly contribute to a healthier organizational atmosphere.
Utilizing Frameworks for Continuous Improvement
Organizations can benefit from adopting structured frameworks such as ISO 45003 for ongoing improvement in mental health management. These standards offer comprehensive guidance on creating a psychologically safe workplace, emphasizing the shared responsibility between employers and employees. It is crucial to perform regular mental health audits and engage employees in the process to ensure that their needs are understood and met effectively. By doing so, companies can ensure a proactive approach to mental health that evolves alongside their workforce, ultimately enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.
It’s World Day for Health & Safety at Work on 28 April. In this episode Jason van Schie, Co-Founder of People Diagnostix and FlourishDx and Daniela Masters, Head of Health & Wellbeing Programmes at Generali Employee Benefits (GEB) Network, will help you learn how to put ISO45003 into action, and what others are doing - which industries are really on top of this, which aren’t and what trends we are seeing.
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