Quality of Life at Work, a major challenge
Quality of Life and Working Conditions (QLWC) is a key issue for companies today. According to ANACT (Agence Nationale pour l'Amélioration des Conditions de Travail - National Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions), a QWL approach should "enable everyone to do 'good work' and gradually build a work organization that is conducive to both the health of individuals and the overall performance of the company." Beyond the concept, QHWC has become a genuine strategic priority for companies, for a number of reasons.
Why has QHCT become a strategic priority?
- Improved corporate performance: studies have shown that companies that place particular emphasis on QWL enjoy higher productivity, reduced absenteeism and turnover, and greater creativity among their employees.
- Corporate attractiveness: In a tight labor market, offering a healthy and engaging work environment is becoming a differentiating factor in attracting and retaining talent. A good reputation in terms of QWL strengthens a company's attractiveness as an employer.
- Reducing psychosocial risks: QWL is based on active prevention of psychosocial risks: stress, overload, conflict, harassment, etc. Acting on these risks creates a safer, more serene working environment. This protects the health of both individuals and the company as a whole.
- Employee commitment: Employees who feel listened to, respected and involved in their work environment are more motivated and loyal. They become the company's first ambassadors.
- Enhanced brand image: A company committed to QWL reinforces its image as a responsible and attractive employer, both internally and with customers and partners.
The 6 levers of QWL
To build an effective QVCT approach, ANACT identifies six priority areas:
- equality at work,
- skills and career paths,
- professional and social dialogue,
- occupational health and prevention,
- organization, content and execution of work,
- company project and management.
These dimensions are interdependent: working on one of them has a positive impact on the others.
QVCT and psychosocial risks: how do they fit together?
QVCT is a broader, more global approach than the prevention of psychosocial risks. However, preventing psychosocial risks is an essential prerequisite. This will create the conditions for success in your QVCT approach.
An occupational psychologist can support you in this preventive approach. This will give you the best chance of laying the foundations for a favorable environment.
See also our article "The prevention of RPS, essential ground for QVCT".
How to implement a QVCT approach?
ANACT has been supporting companies for over 20 years in implementing their QVCT approach. The social partners, through the ANI (Accord National Interprofessionnel) established in 2020, advise companies to rely on the tools and methods proposed by ANACT.
External support can also facilitate the process: diagnostics, workgroup facilitation, customized action plans...
QVCT week, a highlight of the year
Every year in June, ANACT organizes the QVCT Week. It's an opportunity to showcase company initiatives across France that combine improved working conditions and performance. It's also the perfect time to talk about QWL in the workplace, and to exchange ideas with employees. We can help you organize this week within your company, with conferences, workshops, training courses, etc. It can also be an opportunity for you to communicate with your employees about the QHWC actions implemented within the company throughout the year, and thus reinforce your attractiveness and employer brand.
