Corporate

1   MENTAL HEALTH AND STRESS Concern for stress management and mental health was highest among more developed respondents. Leading 85%, Proactive 86% and Managing 75%. Only 52% of those in the Reactive category felt it was a concern, and, among Start of Journey participants, it fell to 36%. Stress managment is the number two emerging concern as ranked by both employees and employers. Interestingly, it is ranked highest by Leading (72%), Proactive (77%) and Reactive (77%) organizations. Start of Journey respondents ranked it lowest at 50%. When broken down by sector, the scores were fairly even falling between 71% and 77%, except in construction. Only 56% of participants in this sector felt it was a concern. WSPS Senior Health and Safety Consultant, Shannan Boston, says that these issues are likely to continue and it will be important to manage workload strategicially, especially as re-entry begins. "Out of necessity, some tasks have been set aside over the last couple of years that will need to be resumed. It's important to set realistic expectations. Allowing workers to have a voice and say in how their work will resume, may assist in reducing stress for all in the workplace." 2   DISCRIMINATION AND DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Overall, 36% of respondents felt discrimination, diversity and inclusion was a key concern. However, the number was much higher among those at the Start of the Journey. It jumped to 61% in this category. In a panel discussion on DE&I at the Valuing the Whole Person Summit in 2021, Rosa Carrillo, author of The Relationship Factor in Safety Performance stressed the importance of this issue. "In my book, I delve into the fact that our relationships with each other set us up for safety. I came up with the phrase 'inclusion precedes accountability'. Leaders want employees to stop an unsafe situation, but if you haven't shown me I'm included, I'm a member of the team, and you respect me, then why would I believe, trust and support you? Belonging is an evolutionary survival necessity." In the article, "Diversity Efforts Gain Traction with Employers" published by Canadian HR Reporter, Eva Kwok, principal at Mercer Canada says, "DEI should not only be an HR issue; it really is a business imperative because it affects your people, which are the backbone of the livelihood of every organization. Ensure that DEI is championed from the top of the organization to ensure that engagement happens across the organization. In our study, we found that two-thirds of organizations have an internal group accountable for implementing or monitoring the DEI strategy so don't go it alone, engage with others to be champions for you." 12 ©2022 Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. All rights reserved. 32 HEALTH & SAFETY CONCERNS TO ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY

• Cover