In this first episode of the new UK Psych Health and Safety podcast, hosts Sheila and Dr. Jacqui Wilmshurst introduce themselves and discuss the importance of psychological health and safety in the workplace. They also share their plans for future episodes!
Episode Summary
The episode emphasises the significance of managing stress and building resilience as individuals, while also acknowledging the importance of understanding how work and the workplace can impact mental health and advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes systematic risk assessment and understanding of the workplace factors that impact mental health.
While resilience and stress management are important, they should not be the sole focus when addressing mental health in the workplace.
Sheila stresses the importance of understanding how work and life can impact mental health, both positively and negatively and whilst training in stress management and resilience is beneficial, it should not replace the understanding of how work and the workplace can affect mental health. This aspect is often overlooked or neglected, and there is a need to look beyond individual employees and consider the broader factors that contribute to mental health at work. This includes examining how work-related factors, whether physical or virtual, can influence mental health outcomes.
Sheila also highlights the traditional focus on supporting individuals with their problems in the mental health field, but the lack of attention paid to the role of the workplace in generating or exacerbating mental health issues. They explain how there needs to be a shifting in focus towards understanding and addressing the impact of work on mental health to create psychologically healthy and safe workplaces.
The episode introduces and explains the concept of psychological health and safety and Sheila and Dr. Jacqui Wilmshurst discuss how mental health and psychological well-being were previously overlooked in the workplace, but how there has been a recent shift in recognising their importance.
Jacqui explains the various terms associated with psychological health and safety, such as psychosocial hazards, psychological risk assessment, and psychosocial risk assessment in simple terms.
Jacqui also emphasises the importance of individuals being involved in understanding the impact of their job on their mental health and taking steps to reduce the risk of psychological injury. This involves implementing control measures at an organisational level and equipping and empowering individuals to take responsibility for their own well-being.
Overall, this introductory episode highlights the growing recognition of psychological health and safety in the workplace and the need to create a supportive and healthy work environment for employees' health, safety and well-being.
[00:02:38] Risk and resilience in workplaces.
Dr. Jacqui Wilmshurst, discusses her expertise in risk and resilience in workplaces.
[00:06:06] Squirrel rescue and sanctuary.
Jacqui’s involvement in squirrel rescue and sanctuary and the lessons learned from animals on resilience.
[00:10:37] Mental health at work.
The conversation shifts to the topic of mental health at work and the need for a comprehensive approach.
[00:12:07] The four P's framework.
Jacqui introduces the 4Ps framework for psychological health and safety in the workplace.
[00:15:06] Psychological impact and long-term effects.
The discussion focuses on the psychological impact of work and its long-term effects.
[00:19:19] Job roles that need assessment.
Jacqui gives examples of specific job roles that require assessment for potential psychological harm.
[00:22:07] Mental health strategy analysis.
The conversation explores the analysis of mental health strategies in the workplace.
[00:26:12] Psychological impact on high-risk professions.
Dr. Jackie Wilmshurst discusses the psychological impact on high-risk professions and the need for proactive measures.
[00:28:15] Taking a holistic approach.
The importance of taking a holistic approach to psychological health and safety in all workplaces is emphasised.
[00:32:22] Employees' responsibility for well-being.
The responsibility of employees for their own well-being is discussed, along with the role of employers in providing support.
[00:35:07] Neurodiversity in workplace safety
Dr. Jackie Wilmshurst mentions the inclusion of neurodiversity in workplace safety considerations.
[00:38:13] Workplace accountability and support.
The conversation emphasizes the need for workplace accountability and support for employees' mental health.
[00:43:25] Continuous program of change.
The importance of a continuous program of change and evolution in promoting psychological health and safety is discussed.
[00:45:41] Collaboration in partnership.
Sheila encourages listeners to subscribe and share the podcast, while providing contact information for further inquiries.