ISO 45003: Fostering a Compassionate Workplace

As One in Four Faces Mental Health Challenges, ISO 45003 Guides Businesses to Prioritise Psychological Well-being.

In the aftermath of unprecedented challenges, the emphasis on prioritising mental health in the workplace has gained prominence. With one in four individuals grappling with mental health issues, organisations are presented with an ongoing opportunity to commit to supporting the well-being of their most valuable asset – their workforce.

The Human Element in Leadership

Leaders often tout their people as the most significant asset, but the question arises – how attuned are they to the mental and emotional needs of their employees? The workplace poses psychosocial risks that can adversely impact the mental and physical health of staff. Recognising that mental health profoundly influences employees' happiness, success, and resilience amid change, leaders are urged to adopt a more open and humane style of leadership.

ISO 45003: Navigating Psychosocial Risks

ISO 45003:2021, titled "Occupational health and safety management – psychological health and safety at work," emerges as a crucial framework to address the challenge of supporting staff with mental health challenges. This standard not only regulates occupational health and safety management but also provides guidelines for managing psychosocial risks. It emphasises a holistic approach beyond being a mere certification, aiming to foster a culture of best practice guidance.

Universal Applicability and Quality Professional's Role

Applicable to businesses of all sizes and shapes, ISO 45003 follows the high-level structure of Annex SL, familiar to quality professionals. Quality professionals are encouraged to incorporate aspects of ISO 45003 in their statements of intent, showcasing top-level accountability and commitment to addressing psychological hazards in workplaces. It aligns with an approach to culture, compliance, and overall risk management.

Challenges in Measuring Mental Health

Unlike tangible metrics for product and service quality, measuring the intangible mental health needs of employees presents a unique challenge. The Mental Health at Work Commitment underscores alarming statistics, revealing that one in four individuals experiences mental health problems, with only 56% feeling comfortable discussing these issues in the workplace.

Innovation and Employee Well-being

To surpass minimal legal requirements for stress protection, businesses are urged to adopt innovative strategies in managing a crucial asset – the workforce. Offering workplace flexibility, fostering work-life balance, and engaging in open discussions about employee well-being and professional development are suggested approaches. Consultation and participation are vital when addressing not only occupational but also psychological hazards.

Towards a Compassionate Future

As organisations traditionally assess performance through measurable data, the call is made to include psychosocial risks in management reviews. The philosophy of continuous improvement urges businesses to aim for a better and more compassionate future. Adopting the plan, do, check, act approach, leaders are encouraged to prioritise mental health, fostering an environment where the well-being of employees is as paramount as any other business metric.

A message from our sponsors, The Ideas Distillery: 

If you would like to look at how to implement an ISO 45001 health & safety management system, then simply contact us.

Or, if you want to see what's involved in more detail, then get a completely free, no obligation, totally tailored ISO Gap Analysis for your business (only available to UK businesses).