Businesses with solid health and safety plans have higher employee retention levels and happier employees, according to research. Zippia states that 74% of employees currently follow a hybrid working model or will do so soon. Your health and safety practices mustn’t slide as a result of an increased number of your workers working from home as this could put your workforce and your business at risk.
photo credit: Alesia Kazantceva / Unsplash
Here’s how to ensure that everyone is protected no matter where they’re working.
Are Workplaces Set Up Correctly?
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are responsible for more workplace injuries than anything else. Hybrid working increases the likelihood of workers developing MSDs because there’s a risk that they’ll work in unsuitable working environments, such as on the sofa, in bed, or at their dining table. You must ensure that a home working risk assessment is carried out and that you provide the appropriate equipment for them to do their job safely at home. This is likely to be things such as ergonomic equipment.
If hot desking is happening in the workplace due to a hybrid working model, suitable working equipment needs to be available in all locations as this will lower the chance of MSDs such as carpal tunnel, tension neck syndrome, and chronic back pain.
Are your Workers Safe at Home?
Did you know that even when your employees are working from home, you’re responsible for them? Hazards in the home are just as dangerous as hazards in the workplace and you need to minimize the risk of them.
Employees working from home may overload power outlets because they have limited space or they may run extension cables so they can plug cables in. This is a fire risk and a trip hazard that could result in a workplace injury. If this happens your employee should report the incident to you so that you can discuss the situation with your workers’ compensation insurance company. If your worker is harmed on the job, you may have to pay compensation.
To protect your business and employees, it’s best to step in to stop employees from working in a dangerous environment. You could provide suitable equipment to avoid these issues or you could urge the worker to work from the office instead.
Don’t Forget Mental Wellbeing
Workplace health and safety also covers the mental wellbeing of employees. Research has found that 80% of remote workers say that it has negatively affected their mental health.
Hybrid work can be mentally exhausting. Constantly working in a different place can be stressful. Loneliness and isolation are common, too. It’s crucial that you regularly check in with hybrid workers. Adjustments may need to be made several times until employees are happy with the setup.
Giving employees flexibility is also key. Allowing them to choose the days they work in the office rather than dictating to them can boost workplace satisfaction and morale.
Health and safety are important for all businesses. But for hybrid businesses, it’s one of the most crucial things you can stay on top of. By doing this, you’ll protect your employees and your business from any nasty complications.
