The nine dimensions of health: Psychosocial Work Environment

July 3, 2024 – Defence Stories

 

This article is part of an ongoing series that explores the nine dimensions of health, how they interact and influence our ability to balance life’s demands, and the resources available to help you feel healthy, resilient, and empowered. The previous article discussed the physical work environment and related supports that are available to Defence Team members.

The 9 dimensions of health and wellbeing

The nine dimensions of health and well-being (as highlighted in the Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy) are interconnected elements that, together, contribute to overall well-being.

Psychosocial work environment

The term "psychosocial work environment" refers to the relationship between an individual and the psychological and social factors they experience in their workplace. How and when work is assigned, deadlines, workload, work methods, and work relationships are all examples of psychosocial considerations.

Psychosocial risk factors

A poor psychosocial work environment can lead to job stress and an increased likelihood of someone leaving their job.

Psychosocial risk factors include:

Positive psychosocial work environments

Creating an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment that takes account of risk factors and offers appropriate support can have a positive impact on organizations, and can lead to increased job satisfaction, talent retention, and job performance.

A positive psychosocial work environment includes:

What resources are available?

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) offer professional and confidential services to support Defence Team members with a range of personal, family and work-related concerns.

Let’s Talk Workplace Wellness (accessible only on the National Defence network) is a series of 13 training tools for the Defence Team to help guide discussion and build awareness of psychological workplace factors (as defined by the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace). Each tool consists of a two-page handout with a short lesson that can be covered in 15 to 20 minutes.

The Anti-racism learning hub offers training and resources to assist Defence Team members with better understanding and responding to systemic barriers that discriminate against Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, and racialized Defence Team members.

The Defence Team Positive Space Program aims to foster a safe and inclusive work environment for everyone by creating volunteer and peer-based support groups for 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

The Defence Ethics Programme is a comprehensive values-based ethics program put in place to meet the needs of the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) at both the individual and the organizational levels.

The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre offers support to individuals affected by sexual misconduct, provides expert advice to the Defence Team, and monitors progress in addressing sexual misconduct within the DND/CAF. Anonymous and confidential 24/7 support is available.

Conflict Solutions and Services is a Defence Team resource that offers Conflict and Complaint Management Services across the country through centres that assist members with addressing workplace conflict.

Awards and Recognition (accessible only on the National Defence network) aims to acknowledge the outstanding professionalism and dedication of civilian and military staff in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces.

Additional resources

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