ISO Standards for Mental Health in the Workplace
A new standard has been launched to provide better support for mental wellbeing in the workplace. It might be time to take steps to manage the risks in your business.
Last year saw the launch of ISO 45003, a new international standard for management of pyschological health at work. While this standard is voluntary, it does offer detailed advice on managing the risks within your business, ensuring effective occupational health and safety. The standards will focus to bring mental wellbeing in line with physical wellbeing when at work.
''The pandemic will have lasting impacts for the mental health of the current working population but also the younger generations who have yet to enter the job market. Organizations will need to not only continue to support their workers’ mental health now but continually improve and enhance this provision''.
SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN – CHIEF EXECUTIVE,The British Standards Institution
Attainment will require a high level of resource and will be aspirational for businesses. Sixth Mental Health Core Standards outlined in the UK government backed Thriving at Work Review, is possibly a starting point for smaller businesses and there is an easy to read outline here.
Without a doubt, the cost to businesses on mental health issues, in terms of absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover as well as legal responsibilities is significant. The Thriving at Work Review estimated the cost in the leisure, hopsitality and catering industries to be between £497 and £932 per employee with through direct illness or through impact on those around them.
ISO 45003 is the first global standard giving practical guidance..
It includes:
- Information on how to recognize the psychosocial hazards that can affect workers, such as those that arise from home working
- Offers examples of effective – often simple - actions that can be taken to manage these and improve employee wellbeing
The Six Core Mental Health Standards:
Produce, implement and communicate a mental health at work plan
Developmental health awareness amongst employees
Encourage open conversations about mental health and the support available when employees are struggling
Provide employees with good working conditions and ensure they have a good work-life balance, plus opportunities for development
Promote effevtive people management through line managers and supervisors
Routinely monitor employee mental health and wellbeing.
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Useful Links to Further Information
- THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (BIFM)- Founded in 1993, BIFM is a professional body for facilities management, both individuals and organisations.
- FIRST POINT ASSESSMENT (FPAL)- Is a supplier management community supporting the European oil and gas industry.
- THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (CIEH)- A charity that is the professional and leading voice for environmental and public health and safety.
- INSTITUTE OF HOSPITALITY- A professional membership group that provides support and information for those who work or study in the hospitality and tourism industries.
- FOOD STANDARD AGENCY (FSA)- The governmental department responsible for food safety and hygiene throughout the UK.
- THE UNIVERSITY CATERERS ORGANISATION (TUCO)- TUCO is a professional membership group for in-house caterers within the higher education sector, and is one of the leading organisations of its kind in the UK.
- BRITISH HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION (BHA)- An agenda-setter and members organisation for the hospitality and tourism industry that helps to promote the interest of operators, brands and owners across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
- ROYAL SOCIETY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH (RSPH)- An independent and multi-disciplinary charity who’s mission is to improve public health and wellbeing.
- INTERNATIONAL FACILITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (IFMA)- An international association for facilities management professionals, supporting 24,000 members in 105 countries.
