As a leader, you’ll already know that, for your team to perform effectively, and deliver the results you want, you need to create the right working environment for them. Fundamental to this is to ensure that they feel safe while working. So what should you be doing to create a workplace where your employees feel safe and cared for?
Physical safety
Whether your teamwork in an office, on a construction site, or in a warehouse, it’s your duty to take all measures to keep them safe from accidents and injuries. The first step is to ensure that all risks have been identified and assessed and steps taken to remove risks whenever possible. Clear operating procedures, safety training, signage are all essential, but perhaps the most important action that you as a leader can take is to engage in regular two-way conversations about the importance you place on maintaining an accident-free workplace.
Not only will this help to keep your team safe, and working effectively, but failure to observe your duty of care can result in loss of working time as well as eye-wateringly expensive lawsuits. To defend yourself against a workplace injury case you’d need to find a lawyer with expertise in these kinds of suits – these can be found via sites such as Top Researched and similar. Showing that safety is high on your agenda will also prevent reputational damage among clients and other stakeholders. This is something the likes of C&A Surveyors do well.
Mental and emotional wellbeing
The past year has shown us all that we need to place more focus on the effects of stress and uncertainty on our mental and emotional wellbeing. As a leader, you need to be observant – are any of your team showing signs that they’re not coping? Making time to check in with people, giving them space to share their concerns, listening actively so you hear what’s not being said as well as what they’re telling you – these are all essential aspects of an authentic leadership style.
Engaging authentically and opening up about your own state will help to build trust, enabling you to create a nurturing environment where people feel cared for and understood.
Remote and home workers
Even when people are working at a physically distant location, you still have a duty of care for them. Do your home workers have the equipment they need to keep them comfortable and injury-free when working?
For example, in an office you’d be expected to provide a suitable desk, glare screen, and an ergonomic chair, so be prepared to offer these for someone working from home. If you employ drivers who spend hours per day at the wheel, what measures do you have in place to avoid painful back problems?
As a leader, an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality won’t cut it. Be prepared to invest in equipment to prevent injury- it will pay off in the long run. Your team will appreciate your care and you won’t lose working days due to sickness. Placing the comfort and safety of your remote team high on your agenda will develop engagement and enhance your reputation as an authentic leader who really cares.
GET THE COMPLIMENTARY E-BOOK
