Psychosocial Risk Management and SDG in Businesses: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Effective, accountable and inclusive societies and institutions rely on good governance at all levels, from small companies to multinational corporations and governments.

Protracted crises and violent conflicts have the potential to have devastating consequences on the mental health and well-being of communities and individuals. In recent years, significant progress has been made in responding to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs in humanitarian settings. However, MHPSS has not been structurally embedded in preventive work and peacebuilding efforts. Addressing the psychological and social needs of communities is essential to building sustainable peace: healing conflicts within communities and businesses can also help resolve other conflicts around us.

After months of quarantine and social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world are now quicker to recognize how protracted crises can bring challenges to both the mental health of individuals and the social fabric of communities. The development of just and strong community structures is possible where physical and psychosocial health needs are met.

Poor mental health, coupled with perceptions of threat, feelings of insecurity, fear, anxiety and anger, can negatively affect interpersonal and inter-communal relations and thus hinder constructive efforts towards conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Poor mental health reduces the likelihood of non-violent solutions and therefore leads to less approval for peace and reconciliation.

Environments unfavorable to peace and justice can also lead to negative psychosocial impacts that contribute to higher levels of conflict and ultimately violence in society. Social injustices such as inequality, discrimination, lack of access to services have been shown to increase the risk of social disorganization and anomie, as well as mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Mental health and psychosocial interventions can reduce these negative impacts and contribute to more constructive and sustainable peacebuilding efforts.

People's constructive solutions are essential for strengthening the social fabric of businesses, institutions and communities, and for developing organizations with individuals who demonstrate psychosocial well-being and positive engagement. Destructive behaviors and conflict can lead to the disruption of the social balance of communities. Without the protection of networks and relationships, individuals and organizations are subject to further disruption that undermines their ability to engage in meaningful reconciliation. The purpose of assessing interpersonal relationships, fair governance and other risk factors affecting well-being and providing psychosocial support (MHPSS) is to provide the processes needed for satisfactory well-being by addressing the core concerns and issues of organizations and people in organizations.