Executive order on psychological work environment - what does the law say?

A good psychological work environment is essential for well-being in the workplace. In this blog, we take a look at the psychological work environment regulation and its impact on achieving a healthy and safe workplace. Studies show that many employees feel that their work is mentally stressful. One study shows that more than one in three employees feel that their work is mentally stressful and that this can lead to wear and tear over time. It is therefore important that workplaces make a great effort to ensure a good psychological work environment, which also strengthens well-being in the workplace among employees. In this article, we dive into the executive order on the psychological work environment and tools that can help increase wellbeing in the workplace, such as workplace assessments and wellbeing surveys.

Executive order on psychological work environment - what does it entail?

There is an executive order on the psychological working environment, which describes how workplaces must act and make an effort to strengthen the working environment in order to reduce the occurrence of psychological stress, which can lead to stress, anxiety or depression. The executive order is one of the most important provisions in the working environment legislation, which requires that employees must be well and that they must not, now or in the long term, become ill or injured due to a poor psychological working environment.

Among other things, the law requires employers in companies to prepare a written assessment of the psychological work environment, taking into account risk factors such as work pressure, social relations and management conditions. There must be a fine balance between the demands of the workplace and the employee's ability to cope. The work environment must also be characterized by recognition, a good tone and respect between everyone, as this leads to job satisfaction, well-being and quality of work.

Workplace assessment as part of the solution

If you don't focus on the measures that can lead to a good psychological work environment, it can lead to a stressful psychological work environment. A poor psychological work environment can lead to stress, high sickness absence, workplace accidents, poor collaboration and dissatisfaction. It is therefore an important task for the employer to follow the rules on working conditions and then set goals that can create a good psychological working environment that increases well-being in the workplace. The executive order on the psychological work environment requires that a workplace assessment is carried out in collaboration between employees and representatives. This takes into account risk factors for a poor psychological work environment and any problems.

An action plan is then drawn up with improvements to the company aimed at preventing and managing early onset psychological stresses to improve the psychological work environment. In addition, the workplace must ensure that employees are informed about the psychological work environment and its improvements.

A good psychological work environment is important for well-being in the workplace and requires an ongoing effort between management and employees. If we thrive as employees, we are more efficient and productive, and there will be fewer mental stresses in the workplace.