Supporting Physical and Mental Well-Being in the Changing Workplace

Sponsored Article by LRQA

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems have traditionally focused on physical safety rather than broader health and well-being.

With both the impacts and costs of employee mental health declining as a result of the pandemic, organisations are now recognising that OH&S is no longer just about managing physical risk, it must address the often hidden challenges that mental health and well-being bring to the changing world of work.

To understand more about the impact the pandemic has had on health, safety and well-being, LRQA interviewed 5,500 employees from organisations across 11 countries. The results demonstrated the need for organisational leaders to ensure they are looking after their employees’ overall health, particularly when they are working remotely. According to India Today, a recent survey revealed that in India, 50% of employees are worried about an uncertain future due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey by The7thFold showed that this was the top stress factor, followed by personal finances (40%) and career growth (40%).

Taking a closer look at the research results, LRQA’s subject-matter experts discussed how ISO 45001, with the support of guidance documents ISO/FDIS 45003 and ISO 45005, can help organisations to address and overcome mental health concerns and find the right balance between the physical and psychosocial needs of their employees.

Here we highlight some of the key insights from across the three webinars.

1. Changes in the workplace
   We have seen the greatest change to the world of work for a generation as people took to working at home and organisations had to swiftly adapt to overcome the added challenges of managing the health, safety and well-being of their people virtually.

   Looking ahead, global research consistently shows that it is likely that the office will no longer be the primary place of work, which presents organisations with the challenge of taking a hybrid approach to their health and safety management, as employees base themselves both on-site and at home on a more permanent basis.

2. Preventing the risks
   Management systems and third-party certification can help organisations to embed OH&S best practices into their day-to-day operations. However, it’s crucial that a broader view of OH&S, which addresses overall well-being and psychosocial risks, is adopted.

   Through the implementation of an ISO 45001 compliant management system, organisations can confirm that they have followed international guidance to implement processes that minimise ALL health and safety risks.

   In addition to ISO 45001, ISO/FDIS 45003 launches at the end of 2021 and will be the first international standard to provide a structured framework to help organisations identify and address areas that can negatively impact employees’ mental health.

   Organisations can also look to ISO/PAS 45005 for guidance around safe working during the pandemic.

3. Driving continuous improvement
   When an organisation makes a conscious decision to address well-being through an ISO 45001 management system that has been rigorously audited by a third party, it is a long-term commitment that is supported by top management, aligned with strategy and subject to continual improvement.

   It affects many aspects of the organisation and is a much more formal approach that keeps the spotlight on addressing mental well-being. The ways to address employee well-being constantly changes, so continual improvement will be absolutely crucial. Static processes could quickly become redundant.

Why work with LRQA?
In today’s world, employee safety and well-being are directly tied to the survival and success of your organisation. That’s why we dive deeper into your business to emerge with meaningful insights and smarter solutions.

Our auditors and trainers are industry experts who work with you to understand what helps your business operate at its optimum level. They create long-lasting value through collaboration, delivering a greater impact on your business, your people and your customers.

A big heartfelt thanks to the LRQA team for their wonderful support in the audit; it was an overall stellar performance. The team was upfront and clear in their judgement and made observations to the units which will help us at Hindalco to improve further.
– Satish Pai
– Managing Director, Hindalco Industries Limited, India

About LRQA:
LRQA, is a leading global assurance provider bringing together expertise in brand assurance, certification, cybersecurity, inspection, and training – to help its customers negotiate a rapidly changing world. Operating in more than 120 countries and recognised by over 30 accreditation bodies worldwide, LRQA covers almost every sector, helping customers around the world to manage risk.
For more information, visit https://www.lrqa.com/