When the work environment gets out of hand: Problems with the boss and key responsibilities
The work environment is a cornerstone of well-being and productivity in every workplace. But what happens when the most basic relationship - that between employee and manager - breaks down? Today, we dive deeper into how health and safety problems can be caused by the manager, and why it is so crucial to take these issues seriously.
Health and safety responsibilities: Who is responsible for what?
- Let's start with the basics: health and safety manager.
As a manager, you have a major responsibility to ensure that the working environment is safe, healthy and stimulating for your employees. This responsibility is not an abstract idea, but a concrete task that affects everyone's daily life. But despite this, we can sometimes see health and safety problems with managers. These can range from lack of communication, unfair treatment, excessive control, to outright bullying or harassment. When such problems arise, it affects not only the individual employee but the whole team and the company culture.A common misconception is that the manager can delegate health and safety responsibilities entirely. While some aspects of health and safety management can be delegated, the ultimate responsibility always remains with the employer, and therefore often with their representative - the manager. - The Role and Obligations of the Employer
This brings us to the employer's responsibility for employees. It is the employer who has the ultimate responsibility for preventing ill health and accidents at work. But who is responsible for occupational health and safety in health and social care specifically, or any industry? The answer is that it is a shared responsibility, with the employer having the main responsibility, but all employees also have a responsibility to follow rules and report deficiencies.Employers' obligations are extensive. They must, among other things:Systematically work with the work environment (SAM).Assess risks and remedy deficiencies.Offer appropriate training.Ensure that there is a good psychosocial work environment.
The Work Environment at Work: More Than Just Physical Factors
When we talk about the working environment at work, it is easy to think first of ergonomics or noise. But it is just as much about the psychosocial environment. Having a good work environment and a good working environment means feeling safe, respected and valued. It is a place where you can develop and where conflicts are dealt with in a constructive way.To ensure this, there are often requirements for health and safety training, both for managers and sometimes for employees. These trainings are crucial to build knowledge and awareness of health and safety risks and how to manage them.
Why is a Good Working Environment So Important?
So, why is a good working environment important? First and foremost, for the health and well-being of employees. No one should have to go to a job where they feel badly treated or unsafe. For the employer, a good working environment means increased productivity, higher quality of work, reduced staff turnover and a stronger brand. It's about building a sustainable and successful organization, where both people and business goals can flourish.If you experience work environment problems, don't hesitate to act. There is support available both internally in the workplace and externally through trade unions or occupational health services. Your work environment is too important to be ignored.