Equally significant is understanding which preventive measures need to be taken and how, in order to encourage job commitment and good health.

That makes systematic HSE work to reduce the risk of illness and accidents a fundamental precondition for a workplace where people stay in fine shape.

This perspective extends beyond risk as such, since it involves not only protecting people from hazards but also actively turning the spotlight on positive and health-giving factors in the working environment.

Six factors

When talking about a good working environment, six factors generally play a role in every workplace.

1. Demands and influence
Employers can make demands, but provide opportunities to
exercise influence. It is important for employees to be able to
balance demands of the job with opportunities to control their
own working conditions. That contributes to greater involvement, stronger identification with the job and more efficient work process. 

2. Clarify expectations  
Doing a good job is easier when expectations have been clarified. Management and employees doing this jointly will contribute to a working environment where personnel know what’s what.

3. Feedback and recognition  
Feedback and recognition motivate people to do a better job.
Gaining positive attention in this way means a great deal for the
working environment.   

4. Interaction and collaboration  
Good interaction between managers and employees yields results. Equitable and supportive management is important, and conferring not only trust and responsibility but also resources and opportunities to do the job plays a key role in the working environment.

5. Interaction and collaboration  
Good interaction between managers and employees yields results. Equitable and supportive management is important, and conferring not only trust and responsibility but also resources and opportunities to do the job plays a key role in the working environment.

6. Openness and respect
Openness and respect contribute to a more secure working
environment. Appropriate whistleblowing routines and practices
are important, while good dialogue between management and
workforce contributes to an open and positive culture.