Photo by Michael Jin

Originally Posted On: Opinion: Most Businesses Aren’t Doing Enough To Protect Their Staff – Minutehack

In the world of modern business, employees are the most valuable asset by far. Therefore, taking the necessary steps to keep all staff members safe should be a priority for all owners. Sadly, it’s an issue that commonly goes unnoticed. In turn, it can indirectly cause issues that harm the company’s bottom line.

Most businesses like to think that they have all bases covered. The reality of the situation, though, is that most will overlook some very basic features. Protection shouldn’t relate solely to health and safety risk assessments. Here are some of the areas where, if you’re falling short, instant changes should be made.

Workplace Safety Concerns

Sure, every business appreciates the need to employ physical and digital security. However, protection against intrusions, breaches, and external threats is only a small part of the battle. The fact is that internal dangers are far more likely to impact your company.

Prevention is the best form of protection. This is why you should put safety precautions in place and ensure that workers have goggles, safety boots, or any other necessary items in place. Likewise, you should invest in the right products for immediate responses to emergencies. Understanding the various types of fire extinguisher is vital as you look to adapt each workspace. Meanwhile, electric shock hooks are another potential life-saver.

Most business owners are eager to create safe workspaces but have their priorities all wrong. By paying attention to the most important factors, success can be achieved.

Managing The Team

Organising and managing a team is the most significant challenge facing any company director. Unfortunately, a lot of owners and HR teams get the recruitment process all wrong. Building a diverse team of workers that have the personality traits to match their talent is essential. When surrounded by hardworking and motivated colleagues, employees will respond in a positive way. Your team is only as strong as the weakest member.

Assembling a strong team is one thing, but getting the most out of them is another. First impressions count for a lot, which is why you should pay extra attention to the onboarding processes. Moreover, you should accept the fact that you can’t micromanage a huge team. Therefore, finding the right team leaders is another essential step en route to success.

In addition to getting more out of the team, it gives them an outlet to discuss problems. Stamping out workplace politics will protect their mental health as well as their productivity levels.

Daily Work Habits

Safety in the workplace shouldn’t be limited to the prevention of accidents. Employees are humans that require protection from a health perspective too. The ongoing daily issues are as important as instant dangers. Investing in a coffee machine and water cooler to prevent hydration in the office or on the shop floor is crucial. Meanwhile, regular screen breaks throughout the day can have a telling influence on staff health as well as their morale.

Winning habits shouldn’t be established exclusively inside the work arena. Implementing a cycle to work scheme or using fitness incentives may deliver stunning outcomes. After all, employees will gain a wealth of personal benefits in their personal lives as well as their work lives. Facilitating this growth is a key attribute that will make you a better boss.

Promoting a positive atmosphere that spreads to all aspects of their lives will deliver the best results. For the business as well as its employees. Overlooking it any longer is not an option.

Training 

Your business has already added the right tech to prevent physical intrusions and digital data breaches. However, the harsh reality is that over 90% of all cyberattacks occur due to human error. Similarly, the majority of physical break-ins are enabled by staff mistakes. In short: the right systems count for very little if employees don’t use them correctly.

Your responsibility, then, is to help them help themselves. Interactive courses that teach them about the latest phishing scams will make a big difference. Aside from actively reducing the threats, it allows users to act with confidence. This is a reward that many business owners fail to value, and it could be costing your company dearly. Besides, training is another tool that can bring teams together and promote a sense of cohesion.

The addition of a managed IT solution, whether it’s in-house or outsourced is vital too. Employees deserve that peace of mind. As do your clients.

The Final Word

Protecting employees will boost productivity, positivity, and profitability. Pay extra attention to the features above, and you won’t go wrong.