WSPS.CA | 2023 HEALTH & SAFETY LEADERSHIP SURVEY WHITE PAPER 19
The article "The Intersection of Wellness and Leadership" published by the American Bar Association examines the link
between leadership commitment and healthy employee experiences.
"There is a link between individual engagement and well-being—and leaders are an essential part of the connection
between the two. There is a positive association between high-quality, reciprocal relationships between employees and
leaders with whom they work and employee well-being. Essentially, when it is clear that leaders care about the well-
being of individuals in the organization, and when leaders do more than just say they care but show it through their
leadership practices, everyone benefits."
5
While leaders indicate that caring for employees' is the number one driver of health and safety improvement in their
workplace, a significant number of employees indicated they will continue to work when they feel unsafe for fear of
repercussions, or worse, losing their job. The numbers are significant for organizations at all stages of development.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Refusing work for safety
reasons would likely result in
me being terminated
I work even when I feel
unsafe, because I really
need this job
Afraid to call in sick
because I will lose pay
I did not report an injury
afraid of repercussions
Not comfortable to ask my
company for help with a
mental health issue
Leading
20%
28%
29%
11%
34%
Proactive
24%
24%
28%
16%
40%
Managing
41%
41%
42%
23%
49%
Reactive
53%
56%
57%
39%
67%
Start of journey
59%
61%
56%
38%
67%
* E.S. = Employee Survey
Employee Perceptions on Organizational Safety Culture
