For many managers, health and safety is something they need to implement in their human resources. However, there are many reasons why you should take this aspect of workplace management seriously. There are many research studies published recently that focus on the relationship between employee health and wellbeing policies and culture, productivity, and organizational performance. Looking after your workers pay off short term and long term. Find out why below.
More Empowerment
If people feel like they are being supported by the management and looked after, they will feel more motivated to get back to work. If you make employees’ voices heard, it will be much easier for you to understand the frustrations they go through and address them. Create a more positive environment for them. There might be simple fixes you don’t consider until you sit down with some of your workers and understand their perspective. Involve them in creating your health and employee well-being program and they will reward you with more loyalty.
Feeling Like In the Second Home
One of the benefits of keeping your work environment healthy and clean is that your employees will also start treating it as a second home. After all, they spend more time there during the week than their living room. It is important that you ask your staff about the facilities they would like to see in the office. Allow them to have an input when it comes to functionality, decor, and maintenance. You can’t expect your workers to put up with a dull and uninspiring environment for eight hours a day and still feel excited to turn up for work.
Space to Grow
You might have a tight budget to accommodate your employees. However, the more crowded the workplace is the higher the risk of workplace conflict. You need to give your employees the space to grow and customize. When it comes to office space, you allow your employees to tailor it to their needs. If you have cubicles, give them enough space to have their own privacy and do their job without distractions.
Feeling Valued
If your employees know that you have an adequate health and safety policy at work, and you make it clear that it is everyone’s responsibility to look after each other, you can make them feel everyone valued. Employees like feeling valued and respected. The more you look after them, the more they will look after your organization and your brand. Your employee health and wellbeing policy needs to be constructed based on the feedback and input of your staff. After all, they will be most affected by the guidance.
Knowing that They Matter
Knowing that you are valued within an organization is a good feeling for all employees. However, it is also crucial that you take into consideration everyone’s individual needs and limitations. Look after your handicapped employees and support them to do their best. When it comes to general policies, consider adding relevant clauses that individuals with diverse needs can relate to.
Showing Ownership
If your employees know that you try your best to keep your workplace as clean as possible, they will take ownership of their space. While engaging commercial carpet cleaning services should not be on the top of your priority list, you should consider the health benefits. The investment will pay off in the form of better workplace management, improved commitment, and employee responsibility.
Being Proud of the Workplace
Employees who feel proud of where they work are less likely to leave you. This is why you will need to listen to them when designing the workstations or renovating the office. Just imagine that you are able to implement features that your workers care about, such as energy monitors, safety gates, chillout areas, a modern canteen where they can share their lunch and have a chat over a coffee. They will have high standards for their workplace and not settle for a space that is less comfortable and inclusive.
Having High Standards
If you keep high standards at the workplace, you are more likely to get better work delivered by your employees, too. You need to lead by example as a manager and set the bar high. Your standards will not only be represented in your operating procedures but also the environment you create for your employees. If you can keep every employee protected from bullying, discrimination, and support them in making the most out of their work-life balance, they will be more committed while they are working for you.
More Positive Culture
A healthy and safe workplace environment will promote positive culture in the workplace. You need to make sure that you are supporting people who are struggling with health issues, and have a wellbeing policy in place. It is your responsibility to put the support in place, such as stress counseling and health insurance so your workers can feel like they are able to grow and prosper within your organization. A more positive and supportive culture will keep your workers happy and content.
Employee Commitment
If you look after your employees and are committed to their health and wellbeing at work, they will be more committed to you as a leader, as well as to your brand. Little things like bringing in fresh fruit every day, offering perks such as free or discounted fitness club membership, promoting mental health at work can go a long way when it comes to employee retention. If you can show that people in your organization are provided with the tools to make the most out of their productivity and talent, they will be more likely to stay.
Better Performance
Healthy people will be less likely to stay off work and take time off with smaller illnesses. You will, however, spot the early signs of colds and viruses, and have a policy in place that will allow you to send people home when they are not well. It is better to miss one productive team member than all of them after being infected. You can offer health and wellbeing coaching in the workplace, so your employees can become self-sufficient when it comes to looking after themselves, and this will eventually improve their performance, too.
Improved Value Alignment
If you value your employees’ preferences and personal mission, they will return the favor and help you in your business. You have to sit down with your workers and find out about their health and safety concerns. Simply following the law will not help you engage with your workers; listening to their personal mission and aspirations will. Make it your organizational mission to protect your employees from harm and you will have one shared value already.
Healthy employees are not only happier in the workplace, but also more committed and productive. It makes sense to listen to them and – instead of ticking the boxes – understand their needs to align your organizational health and safety policies with their individual and collective preferences. After all, our employees are one of your most important assets you need to look after.
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