The well-being of employees is crucial. Improper care for staff can impact their performance and can have harmful effects within a company. The Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP) conducted research in 2020 demonstrating that reduced labor activity can occur as a result of high stress. Case studies also showed that workplace wellness programs can result in increased productivity.
So developing relevant strategies can benefit both employees and businesses by ensuring their needs are met. Let’s explore some of the ways businesses can safeguard their staff.
Implementing Safety Measures
There are many risks in workplaces, especially relating to physical safety. Between 2017 and 2018, it was reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that 1.4 million people suffered from work-related illnesses in the UK. As a result, the economy suffered a loss of £15 billion.
High-quality working conditions are important to ensure the safety of employees; this includes regular monitoring of equipment. Damage to tools can reduce worker efficiency and could even risk injuring the employee. So it’s important that equipment checks are carried out on a routine basis.
Statistics from the HSE have revealed that between 2018 and 2021, the number of non-fatal injuries within the construction industry was an average of 61,000 each year. There were also 39 fatal injuries in 2020-2021. With the benefit of protecting staff, the business also can ensure the site is allowing room for productivity so work is being completed with no issues.
Without physical safety checks, there could be many dangerous situations—particularly in industries such as construction. These circumstances can impact their health, so they may have to be absent from work. Not only would this affect the business, it also could have harmful effects on the worker, causing stress from time off work. In 2020, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) discovered through case studies that 97 percent of construction industry professionals had reported high levels of stress. When the employee is eventually fit to work again, an injury might have a lasting effect on work and lead to reduced productivity levels.
Recognizing Essential Amenities
Several physical needs can have an impact on our mental state, which is why onsite toilet hire for construction workers is necessary, for example. Providing employees with this reduces the likelihood of distraction and ensures that staff are comfortable and completing work to a high standard.
Water supply can be insufficient at times. Whether this is for hydration or cleanliness, it is essential to ensure that workers’ well-being is maintained. Especially in summer, dehydration among workers can lead to reduced productivity or illness. Making sure that employees are being cared for with suitable amenities ensures they stay healthy in the workplace.
Acknowledging Mental Health Issues
The physical well-being of workers is not the only area to consider; it is important to maintain their mental well-being, too.
Monitoring workload can be a simple way to ensure your employees’ mental well-being is not being negatively affected. Concerns over disciplinary action may cause individuals to hide their issues with work, which could lead to mental health issues. Working while ill and absent workers are two issues that annually cost the UK £73 billion. Improving staff well-being can reduce this by creating a comfortable working environment for employees to devote themselves to the company.
Simply encouraging workers to openly discuss their mental health can improve well-being significantly. Although some employees may feel anxious at the thought of revealing their issues, promoting awareness in the workplace can create a safer environment. This transparency can lead to open discussions to provide solutions and improved well-being.
Research by Forbes shows that employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work. Feeling the benefits of a caring employer has a clear positive impact on productivity levels. The construction industry has been cited for lack of support for workers on occasion, so applying support strategies may set an important example.
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of the need to improve the well-being of workers. However, there is always room for improvement, which, in turn, can positively impact both employees and the business. By implementing simple strategies to care for staff, companies also can improve their business’ productivity.
