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Why professional services firms should prioritise health, wellbeing, and psychological safety in the workplace

Discover how to improve workplace health, wellbeing, and psychosocial safety. Learn strategies to foster a healthier, more resilient, and productive workforce.

09/09/2025 · 3 minute read

Creating a workplace that prioritises the health, wellbeing, and psychosocial safety of employees is essential for attracting and retaining talent, driving growth, and delivering exceptional service to clients. Both clients and colleagues seek a destination that evolves with them, adapting to their changing needs. Contact our experts to discuss how they can help support your business's future development.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, is placing greater emphasis on stress management and mental health in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to reassess their practices in light of rising reports of incidents of bullying, harassment, and related employee stress and mental health issues. These cases highlight the urgent need to foster a positive workplace culture, prioritise psychosocial safety, safeguard employee mental health, and protect the organisation’s reputation.

Psychosocial safety refers to workplace conditions that impact psychological health, including workload, job control, organisational culture, and the prevention of bullying and harassment. Neglecting these factors can result in stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and physical health issues. As legislation and best practices evolve to address these concerns, it is imperative for all professional services firms to take proactive steps now.

The consequences of neglecting psychosocial safety are extensive. They can impair individual productivity, increasing absenteeism, and raising healthcare costs. For organisations, this often results in lower morale, higher turnover rates, and potential legal liabilities. Understanding the interplay between mental health, physical safety, wellbeing, and psychosocial safety is essential for fostering healthy, productive environments. In today’s challenging financial landscape, with talent and retention challenges, the cost of inaction can be substantial.

Building a culture of psychosocial safety

Globally, recognition of psychosocial hazards as a critical aspect of workplace safety is gaining traction, accompanied by growing advocacy for stronger legal protections for psychological wellbeing. The UK's HSE provides guidance on managing work-related stress through a "management standards" approach - a five-step risk assessment process.

While legislation provides a crucial foundation, fostering psychosocial safety requires a proactive, holistic strategy that involves:

  • Risk assessment: Identifying and assessing psychosocial hazards through surveys, interviews, and observations to understand potential risks.
  • Prevention and control: Implementing targeted strategies to eliminate or mitigate risks, such as redesigning work processes, providing training, and encouraging open communication.
  • Support systems: Establishing confidential support mechanisms, such as employee assistance programmes and mental health resources.
  • Leadership and culture: Fostering a workplace environment that is rooted in respect, trust, and psychological safety, where employees feel valued and supported.
  • Training and awareness: Educating both employees and managers about psychosocial hazards, their impacts, and ways to promote well-being.

The future of workplace safety in professional services depends on recognising the link between physical and psychological health. By embracing a holistic approach that prioritises psychosocial safety, organisations can cultivate healthier, more productive, and resilient workplaces. As legislation evolves and awareness increases, we can strive toward a future where every worker feels safe - both physically and psychologically.

Authors

Rory Cobb

Rory Cobb

Marsh UK Industries - Professional & Business Services Industries Leader

  • United Kingdom

Placeholder Image

Darren Holmes

Head of Operational Risk Consulting, UK & Ireland

  • United Kingdom

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