Holistic Health is Leading The Way
We have to shift our HSE lens from one narrowly focused on physical safety to a broader, more encompassing view that takes the full spectrum of health into account. This includes mental and emotional wellbeing, chronic disease management, and preventive healthcare.
This reframing necessitates several key changes in how we approach HSE:
Redefining Health: Health in the HSE context must be redefined to include physical, mental, and emotional health, with all three components given equal importance. This means assessing work environments not just for physical hazards, but also for elements that could contribute to stress, burnout, or other mental health issues.
Investment in Health Promotion: Companies must invest more in promoting health and wellness, which includes programs to encourage healthy eating, regular exercise, mental health support, and preventive health checks.
Work-Life Integration: The new definition of safety should extend beyond physical safety to encompass the protection of employees' personal time and boundaries, acknowledging that overwork and burnout can be as damaging as any physical hazard.
Inclusive and Non-Judgmental Spaces: Given the stigma associated with mental health, workplaces need to be safe spaces where employees can speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Continuous Learning and Adaption: As new health challenges emerge, companies need to be agile in adapting their HSE policies. Learning from each challenge is essential to refine strategies and improve resilience.
The call to action for businesses today is clear: it's time to extend the boundaries of HSE to embrace the full spectrum of health and wellbeing. Just as safety protocols have evolved to match industrial advancements, our health protocols must adapt to mirror the changing health landscape.
In reframing our approach to HSE, we're not only safeguarding the wellbeing of our workforce but also laying the foundations for a more productive, engaged, and sustainable organisation. The dividends are significant – in enhanced employee engagement, decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, and, ultimately, an improved bottom line.
By embracing this more expansive, holistic approach to HSE, we can tackle the growing prevalence of mental health disorders and chronic diseases head-on. Furthermore, it gives us the tools to create workplaces that are not just physically safe, but also foster a culture of wellbeing, resilience, and inclusivity.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
