The Next Step for Health and Safety - Psychocentric Policies
Health and Safety Policies have traditionally been centered around the physical health of employees, based on the premise of getting every employee home safely and unharmed every day. This is a goal that is so important, it should not change.
Traditionally, in the Health and Safety space, we operate mechanically – usually identifying risks and reporting incidents, accidents, and near misses. A whole new aspect is coming into Health and Safety Policies.
Nowadays, Health and Safety practices have matured and have moved beyond these important but traditional aspects of physical safety and well-being. This space is coming to an understanding that the responsibilities of the employer and needs of Health and Safety reach into the mental well-being of employees – ensuring that psychological safety is supported in the workplace just as much as physiological safety is. After all, the Health and Safety Act includes protecting employees from both physical AND mental health.
When reviewing your Health and Safety Policies, here are some things to think about:
1. Mental Health Awareness:
Highlight the importance of mental health and promote awareness throughout the policy. Acknowledging that mental health is an integral part of employee well-being will support your employees in reaching out when they aren’t OK, and highlight the fact your business values mental well-being just as much as physical well-being.
2. Stress Management:
Stress to varying degrees is an inevitable consequence of most roles and workplaces. Most of us don’t work in yoga camps! Acknowledging that all roles have elements of stress from time to time and addressing and minimising this at every opportunity is super important. We recommend you provide guidelines on stress management techniques, encourage work-life balance, and promote open communication channels for employees to speak up and seek support.
3. Workload and Work Hours:
Consider the impact of workload and work hours on employee well-being. Strive to create policies and workflows that promote realistic workloads, fair distribution of tasks, and flexible working arrangements when practical. This can do wonders for burnout prevention and mental health support.
4. Supportive work environment:
I am so lucky to work in an extremely supportive work environment. Every employee can play their part in this, but most importantly, a supportive culture is implemented from the top down. Every business should strive to create an open, supportive, and inclusive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing openly what they are experiencing, including mental health challenges, without fear of stigma or discrimination. Those who lead teams should think about how they can foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and psychological safety.
5. Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
I remember the days (not too long ago) when Mental Health Support was an EAP brochure and a “see you next week”. I don’t think this ever came from a place of nastiness, I think there was a lack of understanding and education. I fear that this history has, for some, diminished the value of an EAP. I have never had an employee come back from EAP saying it was a bad idea. Businesses should ensure information on how employees can access and utilise this service is easily available.
6. Training and Education:
Provide training and education, for managers and employees alike, on mental health awareness and equip employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their own well-being and that of their colleagues. Some of the training I’ve had in this space has been the most valuable I’ve ever done.
Implementing a robust set of Health and Safety policies can be time-consuming and difficult work to do on your own. The result of having a strong Health and Safety framework, however, should be considered essential as it can work wonders for both your business and your employees. Is this an area where you don’t have systems and policies in place at the moment? Our HR Business Partners can support you in the establishment of these important tools.
Get in touch with one of our Health and Safety experts today.