For many years, companies have had to clearly demonstrate that they are continuously seeking ways to improve their performance, employee well-being, and sustainability. To achieve this, numerous advancements have been made in flexible compensation schemes, providing employees access to health services at very reduced prices, as well as life insurance programs or even pension plans. However, today we want to talk about a key, tangible area that is proving to be of real help to both employees and managers: corporate coaching. This powerful tool can play a crucial role in various strategic aspects of a company. Let’s explore together how coaching relates to ISO 45001, how it supports Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and why it is essential for companies seeking B Corp certification. Shall we?
1. The Relationship Between ISO 45001 and Coaching Services
ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS). Its goal is to provide a framework to manage risks and improve employee safety, reducing workplace accidents and illnesses. The standard not only requires compliance with the established points but also adherence to its essence and spirit. Companies must demonstrate continuous improvement indicators, avoiding “X-Washing” practices.
Promoting Well-being and Mental Health: ISO 45001 emphasizes the importance of employee well-being, not just physically but also mentally. Coaching can be an essential tool to promote mental health in the workplace. Through a real-time service, employees can learn to manage stress, improve team and client communication, and develop strategies to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This contributes to a positive and proactive organizational culture regarding health and safety, with tangible KPIs such as “investment per employee in workplace well-being” and “performance improvements using coaching services”.
Leadership Development and Safety Culture: Leadership is a key component of ISO 45001. Democratized coaching, both for non-managerial employees and for “line managers” and executives, helps develop leadership competencies, enabling leaders to adopt a more effective and committed approach to safety. Through coaching, employees can learn to better communicate safety policies, inspire their teams, and manage risks more effectively.
Identification and Management of Psychosocial Risks: The ISO 45001 standard recognizes psychosocial risks as factors that can affect employee health and safety. Coaching, both for employees and management, is key to identifying and addressing these risks, especially when provided in real-time and anonymously. Identifying the source of stress and conflict is crucial to developing effective mitigation strategies.
2. How Coaching Services Support Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a company’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, considering the impact of its operations on society and the environment. A real-time coaching service is fundamental to supporting these practices.
Fostering an Ethical and Integrity-Based Culture: Through coaching, employees can reflect on their personal values and how they align with the company’s values, leading to greater consistency in decision-making and ethical behavior at all levels of the organization.
Developing Responsible Leadership Skills: To meet CSR objectives, it is essential for leaders to adopt a responsible and sustainable approach to their management. Coaching can help develop these skills, allowing leaders to make decisions that consider both economic benefits and social and environmental impacts.
3. Why a Company Seeking B Corp Certification Should Have a Coaching Service
B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. To obtain and maintain this certification, companies must demonstrate a continuous commitment to improvement in these areas.
Aligning Values and Goals: The process of becoming a B Corp requires companies to align their values and goals with the certification criteria. Coaching facilitates this process, helping employees and leaders understand and adopt these values in their daily work.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability: B Corps must be innovative in their approaches to sustainability and social impact. Coaching fosters an environment of innovation and lateral thinking, helping balance environmental and economic sustainability.
Improving Employee Engagement and Retention: B Corp companies stand out for their commitment to employee well-being. Coaching significantly improves employee engagement and retention by providing continuous and personalized support.
Conclusion
When coaching is provided in real-time, in a completely private and secure manner, it becomes a valuable investment and talent lever. Coaching ceases to be an overused word and becomes what it truly means: a companion on the journey. Adding coaching services as part of standards that seek employee health and well-being, as well as sustainability and social responsibility, transforms ISO 45001, SR-10 (CSR), and B Corp standards into enhancers of a company’s greatest asset: its people.