Reducing the psychosocial risk at work as the task of socially responsible companies

Abstract

Although corporate social responsibility is a permanent feature of activities of many companies, only a few companies can show a strategic approach and use complex solutions. It is emphasized that factors which could cause a positive change are institutional incentives such as tax benefits, and a bigger involvement of stakeholders, mostly employees. As far as providing hygienic working conditions is concerned, one must focus on better connecting occupational health and safety (OHS) with positive targets of the company, i.e. health promotion, efficiency increase and business excellence. It is becoming all the more important since the results of European research point out that the main source of stress at work is its psychosocial layer. Problems such as work-related stress, mobbing or discrimination are commonly considered to be the main challenges for OHS. The aim of the article is to emphasize that protecting the employees from psychosocial factors is not only necessitated by the law, but also is an ethical issue and a part of social responsibility of business. The article presents author's prevention model of psychosocial risk which can be implemented in any enterprises. It also shows examples of good practices of psychosocial risk reduction based on the cases presented in the literature.

Corporate social responsibility and internal stakeholders’ health and well-being in Europe: a systematic descriptive review

“…Moreover, some suggest that having a healthy organization (and healthy work) might be more expensive in a short-term (and in the context maximizing profits), the potential long-term consequences of employee mental well-being might be more grave due to costs to health care systems, family and society ( Hassard et al , 2014 ; Gordon and Schnall, 2017 ). CSR presents a unique opportunity for business organizations to develop frameworks for management and possible reduction of psychosocial risks (through improvement of workplace psychosocial environment) at the employee and organizational levels ( Jain et al, 2011 ; Sadlowska-Wrzesinska, 2017 ).…”

What do we know about corporate social responsibility and stakeholders physical activity? A Public Health Perspective

“…35 CSR is seen as providing a unique platform for business to reduce psychosocial risks in the workplace through implementing strategies to improve the psychosocial environment of the organization. 36,37 A US study by Fairlie and Svergun 38 found that CSR perceptions were positively associated with work satisfaction and appeared to directly buffer both depression symptoms and turnover intentions, through mediating job satisfaction and organizational commitment. CSR strategies in the workplace are also expected to help promote wellness programs that include activities related to health behavior change (e.g.…”