A safe and healthy workplace after corona is not self-evident

Now that the Belgian federal minister of health Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) is suggesting the possible elimination of the corona barometer, the end of the pandemic seems to be in sight. Mouth masks, 1.5-metre signs and other objects that remind us of this global health crisis have also gradually disappeared from the streets. Yet the pandemic will reverberate long after, also in the workplace where more and more employees are struggling with their mental well-being.

Since 2003, 28 April has been known as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, a day when the prevention of accidents at work and work-related illnesses is the focus of attention. Since the start of the pandemic two years ago, we have all experienced how important it is to have a safe and healthy environment to work in. ​ While many had to resort to teleworking, others had to continue working in the field under exceptional circumstances and with the necessary safety measures in place. 

Although almost all signs of the pandemic have disappeared from view, the health crisis will continue to cause quite a stir in the workplace, Valérie Flohimont, vice-rector for human hesources, well-being and safety at work at UNamur confirms. ​ ​ ​ 

"In general, we see a lot of psychological fatigue among employees and a hypersensitivity to complex or tense work situations. Workers react more quickly. Their tolerance threshold is lower and their mental resilience is weakened," Flohimont says.

Dr Elke Van Hoof of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel also notes that the pandemic has affected life in the workplace.

"In many organisations, we see a further increase in long-term absences, but also an increase in short but frequent absences - unlike before the corona crisis. Although it is difficult to objectify, it is felt that there is a greater sense of discomfort in the workplace, a feeling of stagnation and emptiness. In our country, this does not yet lead to a large outflow of talent in organisations, but it does increase the war for talent. Finding the right people remains difficult." 

The return to work is a relief for some, while others worry about what the 'new normal' will look like. 

"Teleworking is a lever for flexibility, but in practice the vast majority of companies are simply returning to the 'old normal'. Right after the pandemic, this is not abnormal, as we all crave contact and cooperation. The 'new' trends will only emerge in at least a year's time," Van Hoof concludes. 

As early as the beginning of 2021, the Belgian federal government launched an action plan that focussed on mental health at work. A few months ago, the first national awareness campaign was launched on radio and online. Since then, the initiative has been taking shape, with concrete projects for employees, the self-employed and civil servants, and with the co-creation of a policy action plan with other political levels, professional and academic experts. All initiatives can be found on https://www.ikvoelmegoedophetwerk.be/nl 

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