Psychosocial risk analysis (PSR) : impacts and solutions

Psychosocial risks : what are we talking about?

The concept of psychosocial risks (PSR) encompasses various factors that may affect employees’ mental and physical health at work. In Belgium, the law of August 4, 1996 highlights the importance of employee participation in their own well-being, thereby establishing a legal framework for the prevention and management of these risks. The SPF Employment notes that this regulation is a mandatory requirement included in the Code on Well-being at Work.

Employers therefore have a key role to play in the social policy of their organization. In addition to implementing preventive measures to improve employees’ quality of life, they must create an environment of trust in which every worker feels safe enough to share their difficulties. As highlighted by the SPF Employment, measuring data related to psychosocial risks is the first step in complying with prevention requirements.

Identifiable psychosocial risks in the workplace

General risks are associated with the safety, health (mental and physical) or occupational hygiene of different members of your company.

Across all sectors, risk management is often linked to new ways of working : technological resources, the shift toward digitalized work environments, social integration, organizational changes, technical developments, and broader socio-economic conditions, among others.

In each of these areas, various sub-factors can negatively impact employees. To take effective action, it is important to consider the overall interaction between human, technical, and organizational risks. This approach enables you to define clear priorities in terms of prevention and well-being training.

The origins and impacts of psychosocial risks (PSR)

Recently, significant attention has been given to employees’ psychosocial risks. Generally caused by an imbalance between the positive and negative aspects of the work environment, these risks can harm both the mental and physical health of employees.

Sources of risk

The most commonly identified psychosocial causes include discrimination (racial, gender-based, or related to an employee’s disability), as well as internal violence (harassment, workplace conflicts) and external violence (insults, threats, assaults, and relational disturbances occurring outside the organization).

With the entrenchment of job digitalization, other risks have been defined as being related to a person’s psychosocial state : hyperconnection, social isolation, etc.

Managerial practices are closely linked to well-being. As an employer, HR manager, or member of the CPPT, it is important to remain attentive to the overall health and quality of life of employees.

Far-reaching consequences

The development of psychosocial risks can have serious consequences for employees’ quality of life. The most commonly observed manifestations include stress, severe exhaustion, and premature departure to another job or professional activity.

The issue of stress

As a reminder, stress can refer to different aspects of an employee’s life, both in their private and/or professional environment. It can be beneficial when it helps the worker achieve their goals.

However, stress linked to harassment, social pressure, or a lack of trust and security is more of a risk than an asset; in fact, it becomes harmful to employees. Needless to say, such a phenomenon can become costly for the overall performance and dynamism of an organization.

The analysis of psychosocial risks from an individual perspective

Employees, the first to be affected

For preventive action to be effective, employers or other managers must be able to assess employees’ individual situations. Indeed, in order to understand current occupational risks, it is necessary to question employees in a simple and effective way. Balencio has understood this and has implemented, within its platform, an anonymous individual assessment allowing users to express themselves freely.

In the context of the individual assessment, employees have the opportunity to share their satisfaction regarding how the organization manages their physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and professional balance. The purpose of this evaluation is to raise employees’ awareness of their own quality of life within the organization.

Through a library of tools such as the one offered by Balencio, employees can, if they wish, access various resources focused on personal development (self-confidence, emotional management in both private and professional contexts, etc.). Consistent with the individual assessment, each employee has access to their own action plan and specific resources.

The benefits of a risk analysis for your employees

For the employee, the purpose of a psychosocial risk analysis is threefold. The personal assessment of psychosocial risks allows them to become aware, in real time, of their own balance through the immediate receipt of a report summarizing the results obtained.

This model represents the overall energy situation of the worker. By identifying potential sources of fatigue, he encourages a renewed sense of satisfaction and professional commitment.

Employees are therefore provided with all the necessary tools to take an active role in their professional and personal well-being. Throughout the process, workers experiencing difficulties have the opportunity to access the support channels and assistance offered by the company through the platform.

Analyze psychosocial risks at the company level

As previously explained, individual interfaces allow employees to express themselves and access their personal and confidential self-assessment. All the data collected is then aggregated in an institutional interface in order to identify the overall trends within the organization.

This information reflects, in real time, the level of employee engagement, satisfaction, and energy. Based on this high-value data, you can identify and implement appropriate solutions tailored to the needs of your departments.

The Balencio institutional interface supports your prevention policy. It allows you to measure the impact of the initiatives implemented and to strategically optimize the management of your human capital over the long term. This regular monitoring is the best way to promote continuous and effective improvement. To this end, access to the Balencio dashboard is unlimited. This model can be adapted according to the expectations and objectives of different organizations.

Decipher your psychosocial risks with Balencio

As you will have understood, the psychosocial risk analysis tool offered by Balencio helps decode risk situations. It provides a clear overview of the preventive measures to consider in order to implement positive management of the workforce. Contact us to request a personalized demonstration of the platform.