Workplace safety is not merely a physical concern but also a complex emotional issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals, teams, and organizations. A comprehensive approach to workplace safety must address emotional factors otherwise it is doomed to fail. A “hearts and minds” approach to keeping your people safe is always going to pay more dividends than dutifully checking boxes without investment in the philosophy behind your safety culture.
Should this all seem a bit too touchy-feely, consider the following. Safety at work is undeniably an emotional issue because the very human drivers of connection and fear underpin the decisions we make every day that could potentially imperil life and limb.
On the individual level, this translates to a basic fear of loss. It is human nature to fear injury, illness, and death. This fear can be paralyzing or motivating, depending on how it is managed. We also worry about teammates, as employees often form strong bonds with coworkers, creating a sense of family and community. The safety of colleagues becomes a deeply personal matter, driven by love and care. More than anything else, the instinct to protect oneself is primal. When safety is compromised, it triggers strong emotional responses related to survival and well-being which can set off a chain reaction of events that can amplify risks as much as lessen them.
Unsafe work environments can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, affecting employees’ mental health and overall quality of life, and the experience of trauma — for both injured individuals and colleagues who were present — can have lasting impacts and cause workers to lose trust in their employer and feel a diminished sense of control over their work environment. This, in turn, can lead to a doom loop of anger and frustration that fuels reckless behavior, increased risk-taking, and reduced attention to safety protocols.
But while negative emotions can spread rapidly through a workplace, creating a climate of fear and distrust that can hinder safety efforts, positive emotions are even more contagious and can boost morale, increase engagement, and promote a proactive approach to safety. When a team feels it in their bones, a supportive and collaborative safety culture meets their emotional needs in the workplace and we see improved communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, all of which are powerful force-multipliers when it comes to reducing harm.
Emotions are a powerful force that can either enhance or hinder workplace safety. By understanding the impact of emotions, organizations can develop strategies to create a positive and safe work environment. Exploring and developing specific strategies that help you understand, manage, and mitigate the impact of emotion on safety culture in partnership with your workplace insurers is a smart way to benefit from the premium dollars you pay for your policies.
