How do we work sustainably and safely this fall? We asked some of our experts if they had any tips on what to think about when work starts after the holiday and how to create a good working environment in the future.
Highlight Workplace Risks
SYSTEMATIC WORK ENVIRONMENT: In 2023, there were 55 fatal workplace accidents in the Swedish workforce. This is 15 more than in 2022. Additionally, eight people died while working in Sweden who are counted in the statistics as foreign labor. The most common reasons for workplace accidents are deviations from routines and going outside the instructions for performing work.
Kick off the autumn together with your employees and highlight how work should be carried out safely. Review the work tasks that are perceived as unsafe or have been the focus in, for example, your deviation reporting. Also, conduct a survey of the organizational and social work environment to secure behaviors, perceived expectations, and demands.
Another important aspect is to focus on health-promoting work in the introduction of new employees to reduces the risk of injuries early in their careers. Conduct risk assessments and find measures, test the new working method, and follow up on how effective the new working method is.
Monica Green, Safety Engineer
Focus on health-promoting work during the introduction of new employees to reduce the risk of injuries early in their careers.
Focus on managers' work environment
How managers are doing at work is often overlooked in systematic work environment efforts, making it an important theme to highlight this autumn. At Falck, we have previously drawn attention to managers' work environments, and statistics show that many managers struggle to relax, keep up with their tasks, and even work during their vacations.
Many managers experience an imbalance between demands and resources. Therefore, it is crucial to create organizational conditions that allow managers to establish a sustainable work environment for themselves, not just focus on their employees. Managers' conditions need to have their own place in work environment efforts.
Lena Karin Allinger, Organizational Consultant
Managers' conditions need to have their own place in work environment efforts.
Recognize signs of increased risk use
RISK USE AND DEPENDENCE: During summer and vacation, there is an increased risk of overconsumption of alcohol and other drugs, as well as other addictive activities such as gambling and shopping. When we return to the workplace after an extended period of leave, it can be difficult to abstain if one has become accustomed to high consumption. It is not uncommon for these issues to have existed previously but become more apparent during the summer.
As a manager, it is important to be extra vigilant for signs related to risk use and dependence, such as increased absenteeism, late arrivals, and changes in mood. Have early conversations with the employee, rely on your alcohol and drug policy, and seek support from HR. You can also turn to your occupational health service for support if needed. This can include psychological support, assessments to clarify use, and further medical evaluation and treatment if required.
To break bad habits and support employees towards a healthier life and work life, we recommend actively working with health-promoting factors. This can include preventive measures such as increased physical activity, stress prevention at the workplace, understanding the importance of good nutrition and smoking cessation, and recognizing the importance of caring for each other at our workplace.
Ann Berntsdotter, Occupational health Physician
Allow space for development and goals
CAREER AND OUTPLACEMENT: Most of us have now returned to work after a hopefully relaxing break. Autumn is a great time for both new habits and new intentions, so before diving into new projects, take a moment to pause and reflect. Where are you in your career, and what do you want to achieve? What gives you energy? What feels meaningful? What is your motivation, and what do you need to thrive and develop? By regularly asking yourself these types of questions, you can focus on the goals that truly matter to you.
Continuous learning is key to both personal and professional satisfaction. Whether it’s taking a course, finding a mentor, attending a free online class, learning a new skill, or developing soft skills such as leadership and creative thinking, continuous learning will keep you engaged and motivated. Additionally, you strengthen your own employability in a work life that is undergoing significant transformation and thus imposes new demands.
Career development based on balance and well-being is not a quick process but a continuous journey. By regularly reflecting, setting flexible goals, being open to new things and changes, learning something new, and maintaining balance, you can create a career that not only leads to success but also to a life where you feel good and develop in a meaningful way.
Ulrika Eurén, Career and Outplacement
Career development based on balance and well-being is not a quick process but a continuous journey.
Reflect and plan for better balance
HEALTH: For many, days blend together, both at work and outside of work, making it difficult to see the big picture. Give yourself space for reflection and planning. For example, choose a day and time each week to review your work calendar and get an overview of scheduled meetings and tasks you are expected to complete. Consider if everything is necessary to attend. Can something be reprioritized? Make sure to leave some room for changes in the schedule so the whole plan doesn't fall apart if something new comes up.
Do the same with your personal calendar. Sit down and think about what is feasible for the upcoming week regarding, for example, meals, commitments, physical activity, daily movement, recovery, and winding down. Reflect on what gives and takes your energy. How can you better manage energy drain to recover and not just stop when your energy runs out?
In some situations, we also need to reassess the bar we set for what is good enough. There are periods in life when we need to lower our demands on ourselves and, in the long run, realize that we are good enough.
