What Is A “Healthy” Workplace?
Let’s take an x-ray
Extensive research shows that people will perform better, commit more fully to their work, and be healthier (both emotionally and physically) if they work in a “healthy” workplace. But what does that mean exactly? What does a healthy workplace look like? How can you measure it, let alone work towards it?
Extensive study reveals the key features of a healthy work environment as
- SAFETY (vs. Threat)
- STRUCTURE (vs. Strain)
- SUPPORT (vs. Deprivation)
- GROWTH (vs. Stagnation)
SAFETY = the absence of physical danger and verbal harassment, and the presence of adequate job security and salary
STRUCTURE = a combination of role clarity, manageable workload and autonomy/control over one’s work
SUPPORT = friendly/cooperative work relationships, a boss who understands and cares about their employees’ concerns, and adequate resources to do the job
GROWTH = opportunities for learning and more interesting work over time, and adequate career guidance/mentoring
Organizations that invest in building a safe, structured, supportive and growth-promoting work environment can derive a ROI in the range of 500–800% ($5–8 profit per dollar invested) due to improved performance and reduced talent replacement costs.
Oh and BTW, it’s also the “right” thing to do!
References
Karasek & Theorell, Healthy Work: Stress, Productivity and the Reconstruction of Working Life
Brightman, Building Professional Satisfaction and Effectiveness: A Case Study, Health Forum Journal
Gallup Inc., Employee surveys and performance/engagement research
Phillips, Stone & Phillips, The Human Resources Scorecard: Measuring the Return on Investment
