Elevating workplace wellbeing this R U OK?Day

Elevating workplace wellbeing this R U OK?Day 

The pivotal role of ISO 45003:2021 

Psychological health and safety at work, falls under the umbrella of Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHS) ISO 45001. The structured framework that organisations can follow is based on international Standard ISO 45003:2021. 

R U OK?Day is an initiative that invites us all to have regular, meaningful conversations and to take practical actions to ensure the mental health of our friends, team members and extended community.

By having regular, meaningful conversations, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to. Even though R U OK?Day is on Thursday 12 September, you can open a conversation to change a life on any day.

With the rapid changes in modern society, the mental health and wellbeing of employees have never been more crucial. With the shift to maintain a hybrid work environment, there is also a shift in the demands and pressures for all workers regardless of work style. 

The singular focus for employers today is ensuring robust psychological health and safety in the workplace is paramount. Identifying when someone is struggling is harder when they are remote, yet encouraging employees into a workplace to regain visibility could cause more stress as it flips the routine of the new work-life balance they have created.  

This R U OK?Day, we are shedding light on the profound benefits of prioritising psychological health, especially through the lens of ISO 45003:2021, the first global standard giving practical guidance on managing psychological health in the workplace. 

Guidelines for managing psychosocial risks 

The pivotal role of ISO 45003:2021 

Psychological health and safety at work, falls under the umbrella of Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001). The structured framework for psychosocial health that organisations can follow is based on international Standard ISO 45003:2021. It covers various aspects, from identifying psychosocial risks to implementing effective interventions. This standard is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a sustainable and thriving workplace. 

One of the key elements of ISO 45003:2021 is its focus on leadership and commitment. Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the organisational culture and ensuring that psychological health is integrated into the core business strategy. By adhering to this standard, leaders can demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and set a positive example for the rest of the organisation. 

Another important aspect is the proactive identification of psychosocial risks. ISO 45003:2021 encourages organisations to assess and address factors that can impact psychological health, such as workload, job insecurity, and lack of support. By identifying these risks early, businesses can implement preventive measures and avoid potential issues down the line. 

ISO 45003:2021 emphasises the importance of employee involvement. Employees should be encouraged to participate in the development and implementation of mental health policies and initiatives. So one of the most profound benefits when an organisation implements and is certified to ISO 45003:2021 is it not only ensures that their voices are heard but also empowers all employees to take ownership of their well-being.  

Training executives for wellbeing strategy 

For any psychological health strategy to be effective, it must start from the top. Executives and senior leaders need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement comprehensive wellbeing strategies. This involves understanding the principles of psychological health, recognising the signs of mental distress, and knowing how to provide appropriate support. While implementing the standard and achiving certification is a significant step, training ensures long term applicability. 

Therefore, training in this area is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that leaders are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to psychological health. They need to understand the legal and ethical implications of neglecting employee wellbeing and the potential risks to the organisation. 

Secondly, training provides leaders with the tools to create a supportive work environment. This includes fostering open communication, promoting work-life balance, and implementing flexible work arrangements. By setting the right tone at the top, leaders can influence the entire organisation and create a culture that prioritises mental well-being. 

Lastly, trained executives can effectively champion mental health initiatives. They can advocate for necessary resources, drive awareness campaigns, and ensure that mental health policies are integrated into the broader organisational strategy. Their support and involvement are crucial for the success of any psychological health program. 

Take part in training to enhance workplace wellbeing 

To support organisations in their journey towards better psychological health and safety, we offer three comprehensive courses designed specifically for workplace safety experts, human resources professionals, and mental health advocates. 

Psychological HSE 

Our Psychological Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) course provides an in-depth understanding of how to create and maintain a psychologically safe workplace. Participants will learn about the principles of ISO 45003:2021, how to identify and assess psychosocial risks, and effective interventions to promote mental well-being. This course is ideal for those looking to implement or enhance their psychological health programs. 

• Psychological Health and Safety at Work ISO 45003:2021: Gain an understanding of the concepts and principals for managing psychological health and safety risks and provides practical guidance for organisations to develop a mental health strategy tailored to meet the needs of their organisation. 

Leadership and management 

Leadership plays a crucial role in establishing and fostering a great organisational culture. That’s why we run a number of leadership and management courses to develop the operational and leadership skills for your team that form an integral part of your business. 

Our leadership courses are tailored for executives and senior managers who play a pivotal role in shaping the organisational culture. It covers topics such as leadership styles, communication strategies, and fostering a supportive work environment. Participants gain insights into how to lead by example and drive initiatives within their organisations. 

• Lead and Communicate with Influence: The aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to use emotional intelligence and other communication techniques to provide effective leadership and to build strong relationships within their organisation. 

• Lead and Develop Critical Thinking Teams: This course offers nationally recognised units of competency that are on the pathway towards SAI Global’s Nationally Recognised qualification BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management. 

• BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management: The BSB50240 Diploma of Leadership and Management is a highly desirable qualification designed to develop your leadership skills to management level and beyond. This qualification will help you to develop initiative and judgement in operational planning, organising and leading successful teams. You will learn to communicate and support individuals and teams to meet organisational or enterprise requirements and strategies. 

Workplace safety obligations for leaders and executives 

Understanding the legal and ethical obligations related to psychological health is crucial for any executive. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape, best practices for compliance, and the potential risks of neglecting employee wellbeing. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of their responsibilities and how to fulfil them effectively. 

• Executive WHS Leadership & Obligations: Designed for individuals who bear the mantle of leadership or possess managerial duties, this course is tailored to those committed to upholding and prioritising the health and safety of the workforce. This course equips leaders to make informed decisions, effectively disseminating safety information, fostering a culture where every employee is an advocate for health and safety. 

Implement workplace wellbeing in your organisation 

This R U OK?Day, you can take some practical steps toward wellbeing in your workplace. Prioritising psychological health in the workplace is about creating a thriving and sustainable organisation, with guidelines from standards like ISO 45003:2021. 

By focusing on the mental well-being of employees, businesses can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a positive workplace culture. 

Implementing ISO 45003:2021 and training executives and senior leaders are crucial steps in developing and implementing effective wellbeing strategies. With the right process, knowledge and skills, leaders can drive change, champion mental health initiatives, and create a supportive work environment. 

If you’re ready to elevate your organisation’s approach to psychological health, we invite speak to our audit specialist and join our courses.  

Together, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Sign up today and take the first step towards a healthier and more prosperous future.