Workplace safety is a major concern in the New Year as millions of Americans return to their desks following the holidays. Surveys conducted since 2021 indicate a lack of both physical and psychological safety in the workplace today. Studies indicate that in 2023, workplace mental health and well-being declined even worse.
The year 2024 brings with it new risks to your physical and mental well-being, whether you work from home or in an office. The ability to be fully present at work, take chances, and be vulnerable without worrying about the repercussions is psychological safety in these uncertain times.
A large number of employees are unaware of emergency protocols for active shooter situations, cyberattacks, and workplace violence due to the prevalence of cyber threats, workplace violence, and mass shootings.
For ‘Fear Factor: A 2024 Employee Survey Report on Workplace Violence, Harassment, and Mental Health’, the Traliant team polled more than one thousand American workers. They discovered that in 2024, mental health will be a key topic on which employers should concentrate.
Employers must take greater action to address mental health requirements in the workplace, according to 86% of respondents, who agreed either strongly or somewhat. In addition to wage stagnation, other major contributions were toxic management practices and fatigue, indicating that macroeconomic conditions are influencing workers’ mental health issues.
Workplace violence
According to data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are around two million workplace violence victims in the United States each year. Concerns about misconduct, harassment, and acts of violence in the workplace were also revealed by the Traliant study. Among the important conclusions were:
- 90% of states think other states should follow California’s lead and enact laws that prevent workplace violence.
- In the past five years, nearly one in four workers have seen another employee victimised by workplace violence, and 12% have experienced it themselves.
- Only 44% of workers currently strongly feel that their employers cultivate a culture that encourages speaking up where workers may report misconduct without worrying about facing reprisals.
Michael Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer of Traliant, states, “Our recent workplace data indicates a similar trend, with one in four respondents witnessing workplace violence within the last five years.” According to the research, workplace violence is becoming more and more widespread, which is why states like California have explicit laws requiring workplace violence prevention programs in place within businesses.
Even though California passed a law aimed at increasing knowledge and preparedness about workplace violence, Johnson stated that more work needs to be done to ensure the safety of the workforce as a whole.
“That was evident in our data, which showed that a significant portion of employers still do not provide workplace violence training, even though the majority of organisations (70%) do, and that nearly all respondents (90%) believe that other states should enact laws akin to California’s.”
How companies can encourage safety and well-being
Employers must make a concerted effort to promote workplace safety to close this disparity. This involves the obvious physical elements like locks and security badges, but it also entails improved training that covers the many types of workplace violence, how to file reports and deal with situations that get worse, and having well-defined emergency action plans. It appears that a lot of businesses are ignorant of the fact that workplace safety includes the mental and physical health of workers.
Recent workplace data indicates that employees’ anxiety about their safety at work has compromised their mental well-being. These negative influences in our society include workplace violence, rudeness, harassment, and other incidents, according to Johnson.
He lists a number of additional major causes of poor mental health, including burnout (19%), toxic management techniques (24%), and even macroeconomic issues like pay stagnation (16%). The fact that 86% of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed that employers should do more to address mental health issues in the workplace indicates that, come 2024 and beyond, mental health will be a top priority for businesses.
Toxic work environment and mental health
According to Johnson, “mental health is an integral piece of workplace safety, despite it being a taboo topic often.” “From an employer’s perspective, mental health issues within the workforce can present serious risks in terms of reputation and legal implications.”
He gives the example of how, over the previous five years, turnover due to toxic cultures has cost corporations up to USD $223 billion. He points out that mental illness can make it difficult for workers to present their best and most genuine selves to work, which can increase tension and worry.
“Our data found that employees also seek access to mental health support resources, such as counselling and mental health assessment tools and apps,” he advises, adding that “employers should be implementing psychological safety training so that employees understand what a safe workplace looks like and what protocols to take should they experience a poor mental health situation (either within themselves or a colleague).”
Employers who implement these tactics will not only be able to draw in fresh talent and project a positive image of their commitment to mental health but will also assist present employees in better managing their stress and daily tasks.
Steps that can be taken
The CEO of Rave Mobile Safety, Todd Piett, says that the following are some best practices that businesses may implement to minimise, get ready for, handle, and recover from a mental health crisis that arises in the workplace:
Procedures to spot warning signs and take quick action. Employers can offer a safe, confidential, and secure means for employees to voice concerns about workplace safety and mental health, whether through open-door policies or anonymous tip lines.
Protocols for communications that are efficient and quick. It’s critical to be able to contact 9-1-1 immediately in the event of an emergency or mental health crisis and to promptly notify staff members if their safety may be in danger.
Cooperation between the public safety department and your organisation
Incoherent answers and omitted details can cost time, and in extreme cases, lives. Verify that your company can collaborate with local groups, public safety agencies, emergency response teams, fire departments, and other relevant parties in the event of a disaster.
The study findings indicate a concerning downward trajectory in workplace safety and well-being throughout 2024, highlighting the need for urgent attention and remedial action to safeguard employees’ health and welfare.
(Tashia Bernardus)