Mental Health And Well-being in Workplace With ISO 45001

Mental Health And Well-being in Workplace With ISO 45001

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Workplace safety is no longer just about preventing physical injuries. Mental health and well-being have become essential aspects of a healthy work environment. ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety can also include psychosocial risks such as stress, burnout, and harassment. This encourages organizations to implement comprehensive safety programs that support both physical and mental health.

Addressing Psychosocial Risks with ISO 45001

Psychosocial risks—factors that negatively impact employees’ mental health—are being recognized as critical to workplace safety. High workloads, unclear job roles, and poor communication are common issues that can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. According to the World Health Organization, poor mental health results in $1 trillion in lost productivity globally each year.

The recent pandemic has underscored the importance of addressing these risks. As noted by Norma McCormick, Project Leader of the ISO technical committee that developed the ISO standard, stressors like uncertainty, fear, isolation, and changing workloads have only increased the pressure on workers. ISO 45001 helps companies manage these risks by assessing work conditions that may impair psychological health and making changes to improve the work environment.

By implementing measures such as improved communication, effective leadership, and supportive organizational cultures, businesses can reduce psychosocial risks and promote a safer, more productive workplace.

Combating Burnout and Stress

Burnout, driven by chronic stress, is a growing concern in the workplace. ISO 45001 encourages organizations to address burnout by promoting work-life balance, offering mental health resources, and setting realistic workload expectations. By reducing these stressors, businesses can improve employee well-being and reduce absenteeism, turnover, and disengagement.

ISO 45001 provides a framework for creating a supportive environment, which is essential in preventing burnout and other mental health challenges. By focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of safety, organizations can create a more resilient workforce.

Addressing Workplace Harassment

Workplace harassment, whether verbal or emotional, creates a toxic environment that can severely harm employees’ mental health. ISO 45001 provides a framework for developing anti-harassment policies, training employees, and ensuring confidential channels for reporting incidents. This proactive approach helps organizations create a respectful and psychologically safe workplace, where employees feel supported and valued.

Partnering with American Global Standards

Whether your organization is new to ISO 45001 or seeking certification renewal, American Global Standards (AGS) offers expert-led certification programs tailored to meet your needs. AGS helps organizations align with ISO 45001 requirements by ensuring all aspects of workplace safety are covered, including addressing psychosocial risks such as stress, burnout, and harassment.

Achieving ISO 45001 certification demonstrates your organization’s commitment to employee well-being and compliance with the highest health and safety standards. It enhances your company’s reputation, improves employee morale, and helps you stay competitive in today’s market.

Contact AGS today to explore our Virtual Certification Program and discover how you can create a safer, healthier workplace—whether you’re pursuing ISO 45001 certification for the first time or renewing your existing credentials

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