Why 13 Factors?
What is Psychological - Psychosocial Health & Safety and the 13 FACTORS?
Psychological (or Psychosocial) Health & Safety is an evidence-based, systems-level management method of positively impacting employee mental health, safety and wellbeing by focusing on prevention and mitigation of psychosocial risk and hazards, normalizing and providing mental health education and support, and building culture and conditions that support not only the absence of illness but human thriving at work..
13 psychosocial risk factors were cited in the Canadian National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (PH&S) first published in 2013 and reconfirmed in 2018 and 2022 as strategic management areas that have significant impact on employee and manager mental health and wellbeing. The Standard was the result of extensive and rigourous research by academic, occupational and organizational psychology leaders including the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). The Canadian Standard was also foundational in the development of the global ISO standard, ISO 45003: 2021.
Our company name; We named our business 13 FACTORS after these psychosocial risk factors, even while appreciating that there are actually more than 13.
With so much workplace conversation about Psychological Safety, Psychological Health & Safety, Mental Health, Emotional Health, Psychological Injury and Illness, it is important for organizational leaders to understand the differences and the relationships. Some of these concepts share language and 'words' so it can be confusing. We address this in our PH&S Fundamentals workshop.
What we know.
The evolution of workplaces and the impact of changing market conditions can be complex. But the evidence-based internal change and responses to meet new needs doesn't have to be. We can help.
What are the Factors?
The 13 risk factors of PH&S in the workplace:
- Organizational Culture
- Psychological and Social Support
- Clear Leadership & Expectations
- Civility & Respect
- Psychological Demands
- Growth & Development
- Recognition & Reward
- Involvement & Influence
- Workload Management
- Engagement
- Balance
- Psychological Protection
- Protection of Physical Safety
+ 14. Any other chronic stressor that may be identified by workers.
The 14th factor is particularly important to unions as they assess psychological health and safety in the workplace. (Canadian Labour Congress)
What is the Canadian National Standard and ISO 45003?
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace is a first of its kind in the world. The Standard was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) with partners and stakeholders focused on workplace and employee mental health and wellbeing. The Canadian Standard helped inform other leading standards, the International Standard, ISO 45003 and new regulations and legislation recently released in Australia. All aligned with the latest science, research and evidence.
These Standards are supported by legislation and regulations in many jurisdictions and present a new way to look at the workplace, safety, ways of working, culture and the impact the workplace has on our lives.
They include guidelines, tools and resources to improve workplace culture and climate, create a more positive and collaborative workplace and prevent psychological harm at work. They each align with Occupational Health and Safety practices and processes for physical safety culture that we have been using for decades. The considerations will be very familiar to you and your team. It expands our concept of health at work to include a priority for our mental health, our psychological health and safety. We will work with you to determine the areas in your organization that present opportunities for improvement, prevention strategies to reduce risk and improve your overall safety culture.
The Link Between Workplace Psych Health & Safety, Mental Health and Sustainability
Is employee health and safety critical to your business? Is quality critical to your business? Is continuous improvement, engagement and learning? Collaboration, innovation and productivity?
Consider a new strategic priority this year that integrates psych health and safety strategy, a risk management system, culture growth and new psych health and safety-based leader and team development to achieve a lasting and sustainable approach to improving mental health, wellbeing and positive change.