They say that prevention is better than cure, and this is none truer than in the office. There are a high amount of people that come through an office on any given day. So, keeping the environment free of hazards and enforcing good hygiene is a small part of making sure that you are keeping the workforce happy. So, what can you do, as a boss, to make sure your staff is safe and catered for? When it comes to their welfare, keeping them happy is a priority. There are ways to do this.
Reduce The Hazards
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From a safety standpoint, it is common sense. From a business standpoint, you could do with not having a lawsuit on your hands for negligence.
Having the right signs, like “wash your hands” etc, located around the workspace needs to be common practice to ensure hygiene standards. When it comes to reducing hazards, having someone inspect the area is a good idea. Things that you may not think are hazards may prove to be a major one.
If you employ someone that requires the use of a wheelchair, having adequate space to move around safely needs to be on the agenda. Identify areas that are uneven on floor space. Or if there are problems with materials, like holes or cracks in the building, need to be taken care of. Having basic maintenance on structural elements, like Concrete repair, must be looked at as a matter of urgency if there is a potential to compromise the safety of your colleagues.
Have An “Open Door” Policy With Your Employees
Another way of ensuring staff are well catered for, is to make sure they can approach you. Having an “open door” policy is a great way to encourage this. With issues relating to mental health being widely discussed more, it is essential to make sure that you can provide a supportive environment for your employees to discuss their problems, especially if it is impacting their work.
Provide an environment where a colleague can discuss their issues away from prying eyes. Ensure that whatever they will tell you shall remain confidential if they wish it to. It may have taken them some time to build up the courage to disclose what they’re about to tell you, so make sure you are receptive and open. Asking them what they need to be able to function better in the work environment is a necessary step, as you are running a business. Maybe they would prefer to work from home until they feel better. Or they may need to be referred for help outside of the work environment, like counseling.
Whatever their problem may be, it is your responsibility as their employer to make sure they are looked after while they are in your workplace. Many workplaces are ill-equipped to deal with mental health issues, and if you are not schooled up on the basics, that would be a good start. But making sure you are open and approachable will go a long way to breaking down the barrier between employer and employee.
