7-12. Improving the Workplace Through the Integration of Mental Health Education and EHS

There is a growing trend for companies to integrate mental health into their EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) frameworks. Much like preventing industrial accidents and environmental considerations, employees' mental well-being is a critical factor influencing a company's sustainability. Reducing employees' psychological burden can lead to increased productivity and lower turnover rates, strengthening the overall safety culture of the organization. This article explains the significance and practical methods of workplace improvement by merging mental health education with EHS.

1. The Need to Integrate Mental Health into EHS

Traditional EHS has focused on physical safety and environmental risks. However, stress from long working hours, power harassment, and poor workplace relationships are risk factors directly linked to industrial accidents and health issues. As seen with the stress check system promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, mental health management is also gaining legal importance. Including mental health in the EHS framework allows for a comprehensive system that protects workers' "holistic safety and health."

2. Designing a Mental Health Education Curriculum

An effective educational program requires the following elements:

• Self-care Education: Employees acquire skills to recognize signs of stress and address them early.

• Line Care Education: Managers learn how to identify mental health issues in their subordinates early and respond appropriately.

• Expert Support: Establish clear consultation routes by collaborating with industrial physicians and counselors. By systematically incorporating these elements, mental health education can function as a core part of the overall EHS curriculum.

3. Case Studies of EHS x Mental Health for Workplace Improvement

One manufacturing company introduced stress management education for employees engaged in hazardous work. As a result, they saw an increase in near-miss reports and a decrease in sick leave rates, indicating a rise in psychological safety. Another company included a mental health specialist in EHS meetings to integrate workplace improvement measures with safety initiatives. This led to a reduction in overtime hours and improved interpersonal relationships.

4. Continuous Effectiveness Measurement and Improvement

After implementing the education, it's crucial to quantify its effects using employee satisfaction surveys and stress check results and to follow a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. By combining numerical data with feedback from the workplace, you can drive continuous improvement in both EHS and mental health.

Summary

Integrating mental health education into EHS is vital for enhancing employee well-being and strengthening a company's competitiveness. By demonstrating a commitment to comprehensively protecting employees' physical and mental health, companies can earn stakeholder trust and create a sustainable workplace.