Page 36 - IOSH JanFeb24_Full LR

their co-workers and managers. They their deficit and consequently may not Measuring EQ

can also provide feedback, praise, and respond as effectively to training.

constructive criticism that can motivate However, learning is an important part
While measurement isn’t strictly
and improve performance,’ he adds. of improving EQ in company culture (see
necessary, it can be helpful for
For example, a person can sense Nurturing EQ in the workplace, page 35) and
development purposes.
when a colleague is stressed, distracted EQ is present across IOSH’s competency
THE BIG STORY EMOTIONAL INTELLGENCE
EQ is typically measured in

or fatigued and can offer support or framework, featuring in communication,
two ways. A performance-based
assistance. And they can detect when a leadership and management and culture.
assessment, like an IQ test,
machine is malfunctioning, overheating Chris has trained OSH professionals in EQ. scores individuals’ responses
or making unusual noises, and take ‘Promoting positive working relationships to questions about emotions,
appropriate action. ‘While AI can identify fosters a culture where you are working their origins and impacts and
potential safety risks and hazards, it may towards a similar vision or goal, which also their responses. Self-report

not be able to account for the impact leads to less workplace conflict,’ he says. ‘It questionnaires allow individuals
of emotional intelligence on safety also makes it easier to implement change. to rate their agreement with
statements reflecting EQ traits.

outcomes, such as workers intentionally ‘OSH professionals with higher EQ will
‘Interestingly, scores from
disregarding safety procedures,’ also have a greater understanding of their
these two methods don’t
Abdullah says. client’s needs and pain points – not just
always align,’ Peter O’Connor
Combining the two in safety is the health and safety requirements of the
says. ‘The performance-based

beneficial. ‘AI can provide business. This encourages
tests evaluate individuals’
data-driven insights and Combining more rational and holistic actual abilities and maximal
automate certain safety decision-making.’ performance in understanding
human EQ
tasks, while emotional There is a range of and managing emotions. Self-
intelligence ensures training and development report questionnaires gauge

that human judgement, and artificial available to OSH individuals’ self-perceived
empathy and adaptability intelligence professionals to improve emotional tendencies and
are applied,’ he says. their EQ. IOSH’s CPD typical behaviour, off ering
is beneficial insights into their empathy and

But there are challenges resource library (see
with EQ. Chris says: iosh.com/my-iosh/my- emotional focus.’
Lorna McBreen uses the
‘Individuals with high levels to safety cpd) contains guidance,
Emotional Quotient Inventory
of emotional intelligence including training in active
(EQ-i 2.0), an online self-rating
can sometimes feel the listening, being the trusted assessment tool.
emotions of others strongly, leading to adviser, self-awareness and empathy. ‘Observing an individual’s
increased pressure on themselves to ‘It’s crucial to recognise that EQ behaviour in various contexts
support and guide others. development is an ongoing process that can also offer insights into

‘Providing feedback or handling requires dedication and self-awareness,’ their emotional intelligence,’

difficult conversations is also diffi cult for Lorna adds. she explains. ‘Trained
observers can assess how
those with high EQ, as they may not wish Understanding EQ is vital to
a person handles emotions,
to upset others. High levels of EQ are improve health and safety culture.
communicates and manages
related to high levels of conscientiousness As Lorna concludes: ‘Incorporating
interpersonal relationships in
and, as a result, can lead to overly risk- emotional intelligence into the company
real-life situations.’
averse individuals.’ culture is a long-term endeavour that
In addition, it can be
requires commitment, persistence, incorporated into performance
Developing EQ and reinforcement. reviews by reviewing an
‘Evidence supports the notion that ‘OSH professionals can play a crucial role individual’s performance
EQ can be enhanced through targeted in driving this cultural change by promoting evaluations, especially in terms
interventions. However, there’s an ironic EQ and its benefits for health, safety and of teamwork, communication

twist – those who benefit most from EQ wellbeing in the workplace.’ and conflict resolution.

training typically already possess moderate
to high levels of EQ,’ Peter adds. Those with For references, visit
low EQ may face challenges recognising ioshmagazine.com/emotional-intelligence
36 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 | IOSHMAGAZINE.COM
32-36 lead feature Emotional Intelligence_Jan-Feb 2024_IOSH.indd 36 12/12/2023 09:59