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In contexts where empathy and social
skills are critical, high EQ is correlated with
enhanced perfromance and wellbeing
with high emotional intelligence are
often more adaptable and resilient in the
face of adversity, which can be crucial in
maintaining safety in challenging conditions.’ Nurturing EQ in the workplace
All these contribute to positive working
relationships, which are fundamental to
Foster an Provide open
forming a positive safety culture, according
environment and clear

to Chris Wagstaff CMIOSH, health and
where people feedback
safety director at compliance services
feel safe channels
company Croner. ‘Individuals who have

discussing their emotions Chris Wagstaff says: ‘If their
good relationships with their colleagues will
and concerns feedback is not possible to

effectively communicate their health and ‘Encourage open dialogue act upon, explain why it is
safety concerns,’ he says. ‘Plus, they’re more about safety issues and not possible to help them
likely to lead by example and support their incidents, and provide understand your decision.’
colleagues, rather than penalise them.’ support for those who may
Because EQ plays an integral part in be struggling emotionally,’ Set clear
enabling people to communicate effi ciently, says Lorna McBreen. expectations
‘Develop
foster strong relationships, and manage
Integrate guidelines
conflicts effectively, it plays a fundamental

EQ into OSH or codes of conduct that
part in creating psychological safety at work
programmes emphasise respectful
(Gimenez, 2023). It also has an impact on

Lorna says: communication, conflict
mental wellbeing. Research has documented
‘Safety meetings can include resolution and empathy in
that EQ is a protective factor for depression, discussions on managing all workplace interactions,
anxiety and stress (Moeller et al, 2020). stress, recognising especially those related to
And it’s crucial for leadership. High EQ emotional triggers, and safety,’ says Lorna.
among leaders results in improved decision- communicating effectively in

making, better team performance, reduced high-pressure situations.’ Show empathy
occupational stress and increased personal at all levels
Lead by Chris advises
wellbeing, Oluwakemi explains. ‘A study by
example asking people
Georgetown University found that 63% of
‘By modelling why they are cutting corners,
employees wasted time avoiding a low-EQ
self-awareness, for example. ‘It could be due
leader, and 12% quit their job specifi cally
empathy, and eff ective to unreasonable business
because of bad leadership,’ she states
communication,’ says Lorna, demands or a lack of
(Halliwell et al, 2022). ‘OSH professionals set a training. Then you could
positive example for others ask: “How can we do this
Challenges to follow.’ more safely?”’
This demonstrates why human EQ is

currently superior to artificial intelligence. Off er Establish a
‘Emotional intelligence requires continuous self-regulation
training and zone
interpersonal communication, collaboration,
development in Abdullah
empathy, and leadership,’ explains OSH
EQ and conflict resolution Malik says: ‘Display signs

specialist Abdullah Malik. ‘AI, on the other
Lorna says: ‘Make sure or visual cues like “Pause,
hand, is still limited in its capacity to emulate

the training is interactive Breathe, Reflect, Empathy,
human emotions and social cues. While
and includes real-life No conflict” to prompt

AI can perform tasks that are repetitive, scenarios relevant to individuals to practise EQ
analytical, or data-driven, it cannot replace safety and wellbeing.’ and manage their emotions.’
the human touch that is needed for safety in
the workplace’ (Malik, 2023).
‘Human workers can build trust, creative
collaborations, rapport and teamwork with
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