It is not only ecology that needs us!
According to a study by the Swiss Institute of Public Health, the direct and indirect costs of mental disorders in Switzerland are estimated at about 33 billion Swiss francs per year, of which about 8.5 billion Swiss francs are direct costs for medical, hospital and drug care.
A study conducted by the University of Zurich showed that the direct and indirect costs of burnout for the Swiss economy amount to about 5.7 billion Swiss francs per year.
In this context, taking action is no longer an option!
There is a legal obligation formulated by SECO to protect employees against psychosocial risks. However, there is no mandatory training and no competent body supervising this area.
Corporate social responsibility is not only limited to the protection of the environment, but also to the protection and well-being of its employees. Sustainability is not only limited to ecological practices, but also takes into account the economic, social and cultural dimensions.the protection of the mental and psychological health of employees is an important social dimension of sustainability, as it ensures the well-being and quality of life of employees, which can lead to better performance and job satisfaction, increased employee retention and a better corporate image.
No country in the world has done this yet!
The creation of a label that incorporates the protection of the mental health of employees in the hospitality sector could have a positive impact on the image of Switzerland as a country that cares about the well-being of its people. Switzerland is already known for its quality of life and its culture of health and well-being, so being the first country in the world to create this label would reinforce this image and perhaps attract more tourists and investors who share the same values. In addition, it could also encourage other industries to adopt similar measures to protect the mental health of their employees, which would have positive effects on a wider scale.
To Businesses, Employees and Consumers
Incorporating the protection of employees from socio-psychological risks into a broad definition of sustainability recognises the importance of this social dimension in the responsible management of a company.
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Companies that care about their overall social responsibility perform better: Companies that are committed to improving their environmental performance while caring for their employees can have a real competitive advantage in the marketplace.
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Companies that are perceived as socially responsible have a better brand image, greater customer and employee loyalty, a better reputation and greater resilience in a crisis.
- Employees who are treated well are happier, more productive and less likely to leave their jobs. Companies that care about their employer brand can improve their ability to attract and retain qualified employees, which can also improve their reputation as an employer and their competitive advantage.
- Consumers are more aware of a company’s ethical practices - today’s consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their purchasing choices on the environment and society. Companies that care about their employer brand can improve their reputation with consumers by adopting ethical practices in recruitment and employee management.
In summary, it is important to emphasise that corporate social responsibility is a holistic concept that includes not only the protection of the environment, but also the protection and well-being of its employees. Companies that care about their employer brand can improve their environmental performance and brand image while attracting and retaining qualified employees, which can improve their competitive advantage.