Do your employees feel physically and psychologically safe at work? According to a new Ipsos Reid survey released today, 71% of Canadian employees surveyed report some degree of concern with psychological health and safety in their workplace. And, among that group, 14% said their workplace is not psychologically healthy and safe.
The survey, commissioned by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace, found that more people feel physically safe than psychologically safe in their workplace. One-third of respondents said they had concerns regarding their psychological safety at work.
“The fact that 14% of respondents feel that their psychological health and safety is at risk in the workplace is a significant concern,” says Mike Schwartz, senior vice-president of group benefits with Great-West Life and executive director of the Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. “However, the number has declined from 20% three years ago, which suggests that some employers are successfully taking steps to address these issues. More employers need to know that resources are available to help them address these issues and, while it does take time and effort, it need not be costly.”
Mary Ann Baynton, program director of the centre, says, “Our experience is that many employers want to provide a psychologically healthy and safe work environment, [and] the survey results underscore the ongoing need to equip employers with the right tools.”
This study has been released as a precursor to the release of the National Standard of Canada on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, which is expected later this year.
Get more information about free resources and the survey results.