A radically different work environment, needs a radically different approach to human sustainability
Changing market dynamics
The Swedish metal and minerals industry is undergoing a paradigm shift: from physically demanding, to digitally enabled and cognitively more demanding work practices.
This shift is triggered by several factors such as increased automation, remote operations, robotisation, stricter sustainability/ESG reporting requirements related to own workforce (e.g. CSRD, ESRS S1) and shifting (prospective) employee expectations related to healthy and sustainable working practices.
Reporting/data gap and challenges
The industry recognises the need to change its image from being seen as a dangerous workplace with a negative impact on the environment, to becoming a prime player providing an attractive, healthy environment, where expertise and creativity can flourish.
However, current internal HR/H&S and external sustainability/ESG reporting practices primarily focus on risks and data related to the physical work environment/health, with little insight into, or transparency around, companies’ impact on employee brain health, cognitive load and performance.
Why brain health matters
Studies consistently show that the work environment significantly impacts employee brain health, wellbeing, and productivity. However, despite the evidence, few industries have applied this knowledge in practice. This gap is particularly evident in sustainability and ESG reporting, where data on cognitive health and its outcomes such as stress, mental health, and productivity levels often remain underexplored.
Introducing the Sustainable Human Work Index (SHWI)
To address these challenges, a new initiative is underway to develop the Sustainable Human Work Index (SHWI) and Platform. This industry-specific framework aims to measure, track, and report on factors affecting employee brain health and cognitive performance.
The SHWI will also consider regulatory requirements, such as those outlined in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS S1), ensuring alignment with current and future sustainability practices.
The feasibility study: a roadmap for innovation
The SHWI project is now kicking off with a feasibility study designed to explore the potential for an industry-specific index and platform. This study will engage stakeholders from within and outside of the metals and mining industry, to gather diverse insights, evaluate existing methods and indices for gaps and applicability, assess current data collection and reporting practices in the industry and determine demand for a Swedish (and eventually global) index.
About the initiative:
The Sustainable Human Work Index (SHWI) Project is led by CDE, flow²thrive, and RISE . The project is set to run from November 2024 to June 2025 and will be funded through the Swedish Metals & Minerals Impact Innovation-programme, a collaborative initiative between the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas (the government research council for sustainable development) and the Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova).
To find out more about the project, click here: Innovation Project Sustainable Human Work Index — flow2thrive