Psychosocial risk management

Psychosocial risk management is, rightfully so, gaining more attention. New to some, old news and about bloody time for others, including some of my colleagues and mentors. Creating workplaces where psychosocial hazards are identified, assessed and eliminated/minimised is not only a legal responsibility but also, frankly, the right thing to do, providing people with the best opportunity to feel good at work.

I spent time in a psychiatric facility (sounds ominous), marketed more delicately as a rehab (slightly less ominous). Most people arrive unwell but gradually feel better. The structure, lack of access to their poison of choice, and camaraderie/social support play a big part. It’s not easy for many, but certainly easier than the environments they’ve come from. Sadly, upon leaving, they often return to environments devoid of meaning, structure, and stable social supports. Invariably, they relapse and return to the psychiatric facility (ominous), again, delicately termed rehab (less ominous). The hazards in their real world haven’t been eliminated/minimised.

“If a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”

While it’s beneficial to work on oneself, sending people back into ‘hazardous’ environments will likely lead to poor outcomes.

I recall an ‘old-timer’ standing up and addressing a group of people ‘ready’ to leave rehab. He was 20+ years clean and sober after several rehab stints. He said, “When you leave this place, you’ll be like a fragile sheep, and wolves can spot a fragile sheep a mile away, at the fringes of the herd. You’re easy prey. Push yourself into the middle of the herd!” While it struck a chord at the time, upon further reflection, this metaphor starkly illustrates the vulnerability of individuals recovering from addiction when they re-enter challenging environments. Just as the ‘old-timer’ emphasised the need for a protective support system, this analogy resonates deeply with the concept of psychosocial risk management in creating mentally healthy workplaces. It’s a strong reminder that the success of individuals, both in rehabilitation and in the workplace, hinges significantly on the environment’s capacity to support and nurture.

‍