Creating a healthy work environment guarantees us a stress-free space that we associate with our work.
Last update: 19 September, 2019
Most people spend a large number of hours a week at work, about a third of their time. For this reason It is essential to create a healthy work environment wherever you are.
In our workplace we share information, opinions and even friendships that we don't want to suffer from a possible conflict. It is therefore important to learn to relate in a pleasant way with colleagues.
Creating a healthy work environment guarantees us a stress-free space that we associate with our work. This climate makes us much more efficient and will allow us to be more comfortable during working hours.
Why it is important to create a healthy work environment
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is necessary to create a healthy work environment for three reasons:
- Because it is right. In terms of business ethics, it is essential that workers feel comfortable in the workplace. Human rights are a pillar of our society today. Any area in which human beings relate to each other must respect these rights, especially if the economic dimension comes into play.
- Because it is a smart decision. Any entrepreneur knows that the happiness of his workers is reflected in greater productivity. If we want better results, comfort at work is crucial.
- Because it is legal. This point is related to the first, since human rights are not just a moral and ethical concept. Conversely, they have become fundamental laws. Respecting the worker and creating a serene work environment means acting legally.
What elements define a healthy work environment?
In its paper The 5 Keys to Healthy Workplaces: Healthy Workers Increase Company Productivity, WHO defines the healthy work environment as “a place [...] in which workers and managers, based on
of the needs highlighted, actively collaborate in a process of continuous improvement to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of all workers, as well as the sustainability of the company ".
In other words, it's about an environment in which everyone works for the common good, in order to achieve the goal of their work activities, and for the collective good, the well-being of all members of the group. It also talks about the five crucial keys to fostering the creation of a healthy work environment:
- Work ethics and legality: respect the social and ethical codes of workers, but also apply the codes and laws on health and safety at work.
- Leadership commitment and involvement: foster the commitment of senior leaders or trade unions in order to include the culture of healthy workplaces in the company objectives and values.
- Involvement of workers and their representatives: they must be actively involved in every step, from planning to evaluation, taking into account their views and ideas.
- Sustainability and integration: take all decisions with a view to the principles of health, safety and well-being. Measure user needs, employee learning and growth levels in order to build long-term success.
- Effectiveness and continuous improvement: gathering all the resources necessary for the creation of healthy workplaces.
How can we enhance a positive climate
Leaving aside the external factors, we too can make our contribution to creating a healthy work environment. The legal or structural issues of where we work are not up to us, but we can still take simple steps to improve our mood and that of our colleagues. For example, we can:
- Socializing with colleagues. In an environment where everyone (or almost everyone) knows each other, it is common to see birthday parties, promotions, small successes or family matters. Taking an interest in the lives of our colleagues will improve their mood and ours. For example, taking an interest in a colleague who is sick or asking how her children are doing will make her feel closer to us.
- Respect the privacy of others. In contrast to the previous point, it is imperative to remember that we must not cross certain boundaries when it comes to the intimacy of our colleagues. Ultimately, many people see work as a way to get away from their daily life.
- Look for moments of diversion during work. To unify the concepts of "diversion" and "socialization", nothing better than taking breaks to have a coffee or have lunch with colleagues. Working several consecutive hours does not make you more productive. On the contrary, it is shown that the most productive countries are those in which people work less.
A healthy workplace is one pleasant space, not hostile at all and full of people to share experiences, goals and a lot of time with. Our professional life must make us feel safe, if not, we should ask ourselves if we can be happy in this way. Even if it seems difficult, there are other opportunities beyond the company that does not satisfy us.
