In SwedishLooking for scapegoats creates stress
Following rules and writing policy documents to comply with requirements from authorities or customers is part of what we call quality shipping. What is often forgotten, however, are people and the psychosocial work environment and prevailing conditions onboard. There are many good examples of shipping companies that pay a lot of attention to their personnel and that constructed ships in the 1970s which still feel modern today.
But in many areas there are problems. Over time we have seen crews cut back in size, while demands on efficiency only increase. This means that personnel are working under high pressure and are being broken down by stress due to high workloads.
One phenomenon that increases stress is the blame culture that is often seen these days. When an accident or incident has taken place, people immediately start looking for scapegoats instead of finding out what really happened. There are many examples of our members having problems with their employers, and it usually ends up with expressions such as: “We no longer have any confidence in you.”
To feel that you almost risk being fired if you make a mistake does not create a good work environment. Crewmembers onboard do not work against the goals and wishes of the shipping company but with them, and the vast majority are very loyal to their employers. But they need more support from above and understanding for the hard-pressed situation at sea. To get away from the blame culture is a must.
A good work environment starts at the top of the shipping company and it is important that they have the right “thinking” and attitudes, which is then conveyed in a concrete way to the ships. Not until this is done will we have a good work environment out on the ships.
Tomas Sjöstedt, ombudsman, SFBF
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