
ISO 45003:2021 Occupational Health and Safety Management - Psychological Health and Safety at Work - Guidelines for Managing Psychosocial Risks
A global standard named ISO 45003:2021 offers guidance on tackling psychosocial threats that affect mental well-being and safety at work. This standard is included in the ISO 45000 series, which focuses on occupational health and safety (OHS). ISO 45003:2021 broadens traditional OHS management systems to include psychosocial dangers that can significantly influence employees' mental health, overall well-being, and productivity.
To create a safe and psychologically healthy workplace, ISO 45003:2021 outlines procedures for recognizing, evaluating, and managing psychosocial dangers in the work environment. It emphasizes how elements related to work, such as job expectations, organizational culture, leadership practices, and interpersonal relations, can affect a person's mental health.
- Enhanced Employee Well-Being: By methodically tackling psychosocial challenges, companies can enhance their employees' mental health and cultivate a more positive and supportive work environment.
- Decreased Presenteeism and Absenteeism: Addressing risks to mental health may result in lower presenteeism, where staff members are present but not fully effective due to mental health issues, and absenteeism, where workers miss work for mental health concerns.
- Boosted Employee Involvement and Productivity: When employees feel cared for and are not negatively impacted by psychological challenges or excessive stress, they are more inclined to be involved and productive, which benefits the entire organization.
- Adherence to Regulations and Standards: By following the ISO 45003:2021 recommendations, organizations can fulfill their legal responsibilities toward employee health and safety, particularly regarding mental health and psychological wellness.
- Lowered Legal Risks: Proactively managing psychosocial threats allows organizations to minimize the chances of facing legal challenges related to workplace harassment, bullying, or neglecting mental health issues.
- Improved Employer Image: Organizations that emphasize mental health and wellness are seen as attractive places to work, helping to draw in top-tier talent and enhance employee retention.
- Superior Risk Management: Concentrating on mental health reduces various workplace risks, including those associated with mental health, along with broader operational and safety issues. There exists a strong link among psychological well-being, productivity, and physical safety.