It is not uncommon for businesses to prioritize workplace safety. The continuous operation and productivity of a company depend on it. No wonder workplace-safety initiatives are often included in policies, from safety drills to proper training in handling threats and emergencies.
However, no matter how sound those measures are, if the employees themselves are not taking part in the implementation and maintenance of workplace safety, all will come to nothing. That is why it is important to ensure employees are motivated to join and help to prioritize office safety.
One way to do that is to get them engaged in company initiatives. If you are still in doubt about the importance of an engaged workforce, this list will convince you how critical it is for workplace safety.
Helps Shape Health and Safety Programs
When a company seeks to keep its employees engaged, the programs they champion to ensure workplace safety usually take off with little resistance. It is crucial for employers to sign up the help of their workforce in developing health and safety programs. After all, those programs will impact every level of organization within the company.
The employees may as well have their voices heard. Ask them what they think is important to them when you talk about office safety. Make sure to consider their feedback when you establish or reassess your safety programs.
Enables Integration of Policies
With a lot of programs and policies in place, chances are, different people will handle them. Bureaucratic tedium comes in, and this can be confusing to many employees. If employees are not engaged, it is easy for the system to crumble.
However, if employee engagement is at an all-time high, it is not only possible for the integration of safety standards to take place, the employees themselves will actively participate in making it happen. They will know what is expected of them and will show it in their conduct.
Strives for Learning and Development
Once employees are engaged, they will happily participate in workplace-safety initiatives. Aside from their participation, they will also do their best to apply what they learn in their everyday decisions. Not only that, their participation does not stop in complying with company policies.
They will develop a learning culture as well, where mistakes and negligence are viewed as an opportunity to learn accountability and commitment.
Discourages Complacency
Engaged employees will not turn their backs on threats and danger concerns once those come to their attention. They won’t be scared to go to their supervisors or managers to report suspicious behaviors because of repercussions. Instead, an engaged workforce understands that they have a stake in the safety of their workplace and will want to mitigate threats and dangers.
When you want them to follow company initiatives like a drug-free workplace, they will strive to pass a drug test not because employees are required to do so but out of their own volition. Engaged employees believe in the mission and vision of the company they are working for, so they will do their best to protect and help in its drive for success.
Instills Company Loyalty
If you make an effort to make your employees feel they are being cared for and valued beyond their job descriptions, they will develop loyalty not only to their jobs but also to the company.
Employees who are loyal will less likely to put your company in danger or sabotage your policies or programs. They know they are part of it and will safeguard it no matter what.
Encourages a Healthy Working Relationship
The atmosphere in the office matters a lot to many employees. If they are not properly engaged, they will feel less important and uninspired to do their jobs.
On the other hand, an engaged workforce develops a healthy working relationship with their colleagues and superiors. They will be better and more competent in their jobs, develop a vigilance against outside threats, and all in all, bring a positive impact to their colleagues and the company in general.
While putting a safety system in place is important, the implementation and continuous improvement are even more vital. As an employer, you should keep in mind to engage your employees through proper communication, constant reminders, and positive reinforcements. It can be as simple as listening to their suggestions and feedback and considering reasonable adjustments and changes that impact workplace safety.
Employees should be encouraged to develop safety awareness and help define your company culture, one that is safe, healthy, and enriching. Employees are more likely to get involved and commit to safety practices if you let them know of their worth and that they are trusted to do their job right.