Following recent coverage in HCM on the Workforce State of Mind Report – the first sector-wide exploration of workforce mental health (see HCM issue 3 2021 p76), my colleague Lindsey Simpson and I – authors of the report – welcome the publication of ISO45003:2021, the first global standard for managing psychological health at work.
Whilst ISO045003 is a voluntary standard, all employers should be aware of its existence and the guidance it offers. Its practical advice on managing psycho-social risk as part of an occupational health and safety management system can ensure adequate policies and procedures are in place to protect the mental wellbeing of the workforce, driving happiness, health and prosperity.
That said, ISO45003 will be an aspirational standard for many organisations and some may choose to work towards it by first committing to the Six Mental Health Core Standards adopted by The Good Work Pledge and outlined in the UK government-backed Thriving at Work Review.
Once these foundations are achieved, employers can then move on to focus on the attainment of the more ambitious standards set out in ISO45003.
While legislation that protects workforce mental health is not yet as robust and comprehensive as that which protects physical health, the publication of ISO45003, plus the increasing pressure to make the inclusion of Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace mandatory, is pushing the agenda in that direction.
Employers should not bury their heads in the sand, workforce mental wellbeing is a key responsibility that all employers need to understand and embrace.
• To learn more, watch the short video at: www.HCMmag.com/ISO45003
• Sign The Good Work Pledge: www.workplacementalwealth.com/pledge