Lauren Cooley, APM WorkCare Regional Manager WA/NT/SA/QLD
In recent years, there’s been an increasing understanding and appreciation of how workplace culture can influence not only your employee satisfaction and productivity but also important things like health and safety.
It plays a crucial role in the successful return to work after an injury or illness.
Workplace culture is what we call the resulting combination of the values, beliefs, behaviours, and attitudes that define the social and psychological environment within an organisation.
It sets the tone for how individuals interact, collaborate, and contribute to collective goals.
A good culture makes people feel welcomed, valued, supported and happy to be at work, which helps productivity, employee attraction and retention, and business performance.
A bad culture where people don’t feel valued or supported can have more negative outcomes and often have a poorer health and safety record.
An organisation’s culture plays a critical role in a person’s experiences in the workplace, and can have a significant impact when a person is returning to work after an injury or illness.
Needless to say, a positive workplace culture can significantly contribute to a successful return to work, which is both good for the person and good for the business.
Understanding workplace culture
A positive workplace culture fosters trust, respect, and open communication.
It creates an environment where people feel supported and motivated to perform at their best.
It’s not simply about work benefits or superficial values but about the deep-seated beliefs that influence every level of the organisation.
If it’s a place where a person enjoys working, it stands to reason that they will be more motivated to return there after an injury or illness.
Why it’s important
During a return to work process, the role of workplace culture becomes even more critical.
A positive workplace culture has been shown to improve recovery at work outcomes by supporting early intervention and reducing the likelihood of an injury reoccurring.
Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to disclose injuries or health concerns early, enabling proactive management and support systems to kick in quickly.
On the other hand, a negative culture can lead to a fear of repercussions, which may delay or deter disclosure and exacerbate the health issues.
Employee and employer attitudes
An employee’s attitude towards disclosing an injury is heavily influenced by perceptions of job security, trust in management, and the prevailing workplace culture.
When employers make communication safe and easy, and prioritise transparency and support, an employee should be more inclined to report injuries promptly, which allows for early intervention and reduces the overall impact on productivity.
Reducing stigma
Reducing the stigma associated with workers' compensation claims is another crucial aspect of fostering a supportive workplace culture.
You can build this culture by promoting open dialogue, providing clear information about an employee’s rights and responsibilities, and they know that seeking help is a sign of responsibility rather than weakness.
Benefits for businesses
The benefits of cultivating a positive workplace culture are much more than doing the right thing for your employees. It’s about doing the best thing for your business success.
Research shows us that companies with strong workplace cultures experience higher employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and increased productivity.
In relation to creating more successful return to work outcomes, an organisation with a good culture will enjoy faster recovery times, reduced absenteeism, and improved overall organisational resilience.
Ultimately, creating and nurturing a positive workplace culture is not just a nice thing to have.
It’s a necessity for organisations when they need to successfully navigate the complexities of an employee’s return to work after injury or illness.
By fostering an environment where there’s a strong focus on trust, respect, wellbeing and support, businesses can enhance their ability to manage health and safety risks effectively while also enjoying the rewards of a more engaged and productive workforce.
A good workplace culture isn't just about making employees happy; it's about creating an environment where everyone can perform their best, even when they are returning to work after injury or illness.
If you’d like to learn more about how APM WorkCare can help you build a good workplace culture, please contact us on 1800 276 276 or workcare@apm.net.au.
Sources
- Proof that positive work cultures are more productive – Harvard Business Review
- National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030 – Safe Work Australia
- Why workplace culture matters – Harvard Division of Continuing Education
- Positive workplace culture improves recovery at work outcomes – State Insurance Regulatory Authority NSW
About Lauren Cooley
Lauren Cooley is the Regional Manager for APM WorkCare, overseeing teams across WA, NT, SA, and QLD. She benefits from a strong team of Branch and Team Managers who provide high-level support to consultants in these regions.
Lauren began her career as an occupational therapist, but after undertaking practical experience with Anglo Gold, where she developed injury prevention programs, her passion for occupational rehab was sparked, and she has integrated her OT skills into the field ever since.
Lauren has experience managing teams remotely, particularly during her two-year tenure in regional WA. Encouraged by a mentor, she pursued an MBA and is nearing the completion of her Capstone Project.
Lauren loves collaborating with her team, sharing ideas with fellow Regional Managers, and solving problems for customers. The dynamic nature of occupational rehabilitation keeps her engaged and motivated.