‘The shape and content of work and individual health and well-being are strongly related. For the benefit for firms, workers and the public interest we need to develop a more proactive approach to workplace health’ (Good Work. The Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices’, July 2017)
There is plenty of research evidence highlighting the close connection employee wellbeing and organisational performance (see information from Mind and CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development). A proactive approach to workplace health and wellbeing may include an organisational and employee health MOT to highlight areas for improvement and release further organisational and employee potential.
What to include in an organisational MOT?
Organisations exist within a political, economic, social and technological context. Agile organisations move between the capacity to plan and react to the context in which they operate, they are both dynamic and stable. Resilience relies upon both healthy internal organisational processes and happy, healthy employees. The five following domains of wellbeing have been identified by the CIPD:
Health – Physical Health, Physical Safety, Mental Health
Work – Working Environment, Good line Management, Work Demands, Autonomy, Change Management, Pay and Reward
Values/Principles – Leadership, Ethical Standards, Diversity
Collective/Social – Employee Voice, Positive Relationships
Personal Growth – Career Development, Emotional, Lifelong Learning, Creativity
Indicators of workplace stress in the areas may be seen by analysis of data relating to absenteeism, accidents, disciplinary meetings, employee turnover, equal opportunities, exit interviews, grievances raised, presentism and whistleblowing.
Examples of Employee Well-Being Initiatives
Provide professional psychological support for employees exposed to distressing material in their work.
Talk about mental health in the workplace and implement good rehabilitation practices.
Offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Train line managers in handling mental health issues.
If you are interested in providing a Health MOT at your workplace, get in touch today to create your programme.