The Global start-up eco-system has risen by a notable figure in the past few years, which means we have small-scale employees in addition to existing giants who run businesses and maintain a workforce. As part and parcel of a company, Workplace safety, and employee well-being are two primary factors to ensure that a company or a brand stays together and delivers its best as a team. While there are laws governing workplace safety in each geography, when it comes to employee well-being, companies have the liberty to curate ways to ensure they seriously address it.
These are extensive topics related to legalities and the psychology of safety and well-being, but we intend to keep it short and simple for an easy grasp.
To narrow down the topics, let us discuss the five key commitments to support employee well-being and workplace safety in this write-up.
1)Workplace safety
Employees consider your company premises a safe zone where they can contribute to help the business grow in revenue which you must respect. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) curates laws governing workplace safety in the United States. Similarly, the Ministry of Labour & Employment in India and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in UAE safeguard workplace safety rules and regulations for the workforce. A few pointers that are common across legalities in these countries include:
- Keeping employees safe from calamities like fire and undergoing necessary training and drills as preventive measures.
- Storing hazardous materials in a safe corner within the premises.
- Ensuring covid related precautions and practices are rigidly followed.
- Adhering to employees when they report cases of sexual abuse at the workplace.
- Keeping the workplace safe from drug abuse and ensuring such incidents are reported, so that employees are not affected.
- Protecting employees from onsite violence.
- Special care for female employees to ensure they travel safely to work during shifts.
Businesses are supposed to adhere to these labour laws and comply with rules that govern the safety of their employees at all costs.
2) Conflict resolution
Some employees are exceptionally vocal, and that is an advantage for organizations. If an employee expresses a work-related issue, team-related conflict, or health concerns, the management must address the conflict of interest and strive for a resolution. This act would cement the bond between the organization and its employees and help the organization grow in size and revenue.
3) Regular physical and mental health camps and provisions
Today, social media has a strong influence on the mindset of people and has helped them voice their opinions and feelings on an open platform without the fear of being judged. Physical and mental well-being has become a primary concern for individuals and organizations. The world has jointly concluded that well-being is vital to make it a better place. Health is wealth has become a mantra in the post-pandemic days, and people are finally sighing relief with more consideration at the workplace. Relaxed working modules are required to ensure employees do not suffer burnout. Entities must hold physical health camps to monitor routine checkups to understand employees better and empathize with their challenges. Similarly, mental health, a topic whooshed away under the blanket for years, has finally breathed an air of relief. Organizations must help employees open up by conducting mental health-related campaigns. Counsellors must be invited to the workplace to help employees open up and confess the unspoken issues that affect their work performance.
4) Medical insurance provision
Potential employees often care about the extra perks the organization offers them in addition to the compensation. One such benefit that holds employees is Medical insurance provision at a subsidised rate. It means that you care not only about deadlines and deliverables, but also are genuinely interested in the employees’ health and are going that extra mile to cover them financially through vendor-issued policies. Taking an employee poll before making stern financial decisions regarding such policies helps them be aware of what policies are in store for them and whether they are beneficial for them or not.
5) Maintaining a hygienic & conducive environment
Employees need a place that is conducive to their productivity and performance. Organizations must ensure that the workplace is well-lit, with proper ventilation and hygienic conditions, so employees may relax and work without the added pressure of discomfort. Clean water, dining facilities, and proper air conditioning are must for workforce well-being.
Organizations that pay attention to employee well-being and workplace safety create reliable teams that work together to achieve a collective goal, stick together to overcome shortcomings and celebrate success as a whole.