Safe work environments go far beyond just meeting the legal requirements. They should be designed somewhat like a sanctuary, where employees can effectively perform their duties completely free from any type of physical or psychological threats. This can be achieved via a multi-faceted approach:
- Taking Proactive Measures: When you implement comprehensive safety policies, meticulous procedures, and preventive measures you can minimize workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
- Instilling Confidence and Well-being: With these safeguards in place, your employees can work with unwavering confidence, knowing that their health and safety are always being prioritized.
It’s important to understand, however, that a truly safe environment should go even deeper and should foster a culture of care. This means actively adopting an attitude that ensures the protection and well-being of your employees, while also demonstrating a total commitment to their physical and mental health that will go far beyond your legal obligations.
Why It’s So Important To Have a Safe Workplace
An employee’s work environment can have a significant impact on how they experience their jobs. Given the amount of time spent working, it’s not surprising that a positive atmosphere can fuel motivation and enthusiasm, while a negative one can make every day endlessly drag by.
The problem is that creating the best possible work environment that prioritizes employee well-being can be challenging. Numerous pitfalls can lead to a toxic workplace, where employees start feeling stifled, unsupported, and sometimes even vulnerable.
On the other hand, a positive work environment can be a real game-changer. It can empower your employees, fostering creativity, innovation, and a true sense of belonging, translating to not only higher employee retention rates but also reduced recruitment costs for your business.
Providing a Safe Workplace For Chronic Pain Sufferers
Recent estimates from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show an alarming 60% of adults in this country are dealing with chronic illness every day. These conditions usually last a year or more, often requiring ongoing medical care while limiting sufferers’ daily activities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) safeguards workers from any disability-based discrimination and mandates the provision of reasonable accommodations for chronic illnesses and documented disability sufferers to navigate their workplace while dealing with their condition. Doing so can be a bit complex for employers, however, a few useful everyday workplace accommodations and tweaks could include:
- Breaks throughout each workday
- Changes to employee’s work environment (desk location for example)
- A more flexible work schedule
- Modified job duties
- Reassignment
- Using assistive technologies
Hopefully, the above will help you navigate the sometimes rough waters of promoting a safe work environment and effective employee retention.
Authored By Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, Team iPain, iPain Blog
