A work environment characterized by trust, honesty, caring and fairness.

For example:

• People are encouraged to speak up
• People are expected to be safe in providing care or services
• People who exhibit negative behaviours in the workplace are held accountable for their actions
• People show sincere respect for others’ ideas, values, and beliefs
• Difficult situations are addresses effectively
• Workers feel they are part of a community
• There is trust amongst workers and management

The quality of the supportive interactions at work, including the assistance provided when performing tasks and the worker’s perception and awareness of organizational support.  For example:

• They provide services and benefits that address worker psychological and mental health
• Workers feel that the people they are working with are helpful in fulfilling their job requirements
• Workers feel supported by the organization when dealing with personal or family issues
• There is a process in place to intervene if an employee looks distressed while at work
• Workers are supported by the organization when returning to work after time off due to a mental health condition
• People within the organization have a good understanding of the importance of worker mental health

Leadership is effective and provides sufficient support so workers know what they need to do, explains how their work contributes to the organization, and discusses the nature and outcome of expected changes.

For example:

• Workers know what they are expected to do in their jobs
• Leadership engages workers in proposed changes and actively seeks feedback on the impact of the proposed changes
• Workers are informed of important workplace changes in a timely manner
• Managers provide helpful feedback to workers, both on their expected and actual performance
• Clear, effective communication is provided by the organization

Employees are respectful and considerate in their interactions. This is based on showing esteem, care, and considering for others, and acknowledging their dignity.

For example:

• People treat each other with respect and consideration
• Conflicts between stakeholders are handled in ways that provide resolution to those impacted
• People from all backgrounds and identities are treated fairly
• The organization has effective ways of addressing inappropriate behavior and people know how the process works

Both the psychological and physical demands of any given job are documented and assessed, and when hazards are identified, organizations consider ways of minimizing risks.

For example:

• The organization considers existing work systems and allows for work redesign
• The organization assesses worker demand and job control issues such as physical and psychological job demands
• The organization assessed the level of job control and autonomy afforded to its workers
• The management system is monitored to address behaviours that impact workers and the workplace
• Worker input is valued, particularly during periods of change and execution of work
• The organization monitors the level of emphasis on production issues
• The management accountability system that deals with performance issues and how workers can report errors is reviewed regularly by the organization
• There is an emphasis on recruitment, training, and promotion practices that aim for the highest level of interpersonal competencies at work.

An environment where employees receive encouragement and support in developing their interpersonal, emotional, and job skills through a range of internal and external opportunities.

For example:

• Workers and managers receive feedback that helps them grow and develop
• Managers are open to worker ideas for taking on new opportunities and challenges
• There are opportunities to advance in the organization
• The organization values the ongoing growth and development and their workforce
• Workers and managers have the opportunity to develop their ‘people skills at work’

An environment where employee and manager efforts and achievements are appreciated and acknowledged in a fair and timely manner For example:

• Immediate supervision demonstrates appreciation of workers’ contributions
• A fair wage is paid for the work people do within the organization
• Efforts made are appreciated
• Shared accomplishments are celebrated by the organization
• The organization values peoples’ commitment and passion for their work.

Employees are included in discussions about how their work is done and how decisions are made.

For example:

• Workers are able to talk to their immediate managers about how their work is done
• Workers have some control over how they organize their work
• Workers’ opinions and suggestions are considered with respect to work
• Workers are informed of important changes that can impact how their work is done
• The organization encourages input from all workers on important decisions related to their work.

An environment where tasks and responsibilities can be successfully completed within the time available.

For example

• The amount of work workers are expected to do is reasonable for their positions
• Workers have the equipment and resources needed to do their job well
• Workers can talk to their managers about the amount of work they have to do
• Worker’s work is free from unnecessary interruptions and distractions.

An environment where employees enjoy and feel connected to their work, and are motivated to do their job well.

For example:

• Workers and managers enjoy their work
• Workers and managers are willing to give the extra effort if needed
• Workers and managers describe work as an important part of who they are
• Workers and managers are committed to the success of the organization
• The workforce is proud of the work they do

An environment where there is acceptance of the need for balance between the demands of work, family, and personal life.

For example:

• The organization encourages workers to take their entitled breaks
• Workers can reasonably meet the demands of personal life and work
• The organization promotes life-work harmony
• Workers can talk to their supervisors when they are having trouble maintaining harmony between their life and work
• Workers have energy left at the end of most workdays for their personal lives.

An environment where psychological safety is ensured. Employees feel able to ask questions, seek feedback, report mistakes or problems, and propose new ideas without fearing negative consequences.

For example:

• The organization is committed to minimizing unnecessary stress at work
• Immediate managers care about workers’ emotional well-being
• Efforts are made by the organization to prevent harm to workers from harassment, bullying, discrimination, violence, or stigma
• Workers would describe the workplace as being psychologically healthy
• The organization deals effectively with situations that can threaten or harm workers.

Workplaces where employees are protected from hazards and risks related to their physical environment.

For example:

• The organization demonstrates that is cares about how the physical work environment impacts mental health
• Workers feel safe (not concerned or anxious) about the physical work environment
• Work is scheduled in a way that allows for reasonable rest periods
• All health and safety concerns are taken seriously
• Workers asked to do work that they believe is unsafe, have no hesitation in refusing to do it
• Workers get sufficient training to perform their work safety
• The organization assesses the psychological demands of the jobs and the job environment to determine if it presents a hazard to workers’ health and safety.