PSA policy (psychosocial workload)

What is PSA policy

Psychosocial workload (PSA), including work pressure (PSA workload), is an ongoing concern for employers. PSA includes stress, undesirable behavior, bullying and other psychosocial risks arising from the interaction between employees and their work environment. Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, every employer, regardless of the size of the organization, must have an RI&E (Risk Inventory & Evaluation) and a proper PSA policy. Every employer must have a health & safety policy aimed at creating optimal and safe working conditions. Based on the RI&E, the organization can shape its PSA (Psyco Social Workload) policy, including specific attention to PSA work pressure and other psychosocial risks. The abbreviation RI&E stands for Risk Inventory and Evaluation. The RI&E should describe all occupational risks in the organization. One of these risks are risks resulting from undesirable behavior or integrity issues. These risks should therefore be included in an RI&E. Once all risks have been identified, a plan of action should be written to mitigate these risks, the PSA policy.

For a good PSA policy, the following measures can be taken

• Appointment of a confidential advisor.
• Drafting a Code of Conduct. Define what is desirable behavior and how employees treat each other and customers. Include here how the organization deals with undesirable behavior and implement it when necessary.
• Establishing a grievance procedure for sexual harassment so that employees can formally file their complaints.
• Establishment of a reporting scheme (required under the Whistleblower Protection Act for organizations with more than 50 employees)
• Employee Satisfaction Survey (MTO), through a questionnaire to be distributed to all employees in order to gain insight into employee well-being within the organization.
• Educate employees about psychosocial workload. For example, about manners. Discuss concerns of your employees, how they recognize it and what the consequences may be.

If these measures are included in the Plan of Action and then implemented, you as an organization basically meet the requirements of a the Occupational Health and Safety Act.