What challenges do you face when communicating facility safety protocols to tenants?

1 Know your audience

One of the first challenges that you face is to understand who your audience is, and what they need to know. Different tenants may have different types of operations, activities, and risks that affect their safety requirements. For example, a tenant who runs a laboratory may need to follow specific guidelines for handling hazardous materials, while a tenant who operates a daycare may need to ensure child-proofing and emergency preparedness. You need to tailor your communication to suit the needs and interests of each tenant group, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that they may not understand.

2 Choose your channels

Another challenge that you face is to choose the appropriate channels and methods for communicating your safety protocols to your tenants. Depending on the urgency, complexity, and frequency of your messages, you may need to use different modes of communication, such as email, phone, text, website, newsletter, bulletin board, or face-to-face meeting. You also need to consider the preferences and accessibility of your tenants, and how they like to receive and respond to information. For example, some tenants may prefer to read a detailed document, while others may prefer to watch a video or attend a workshop.

3 Engage your tenants

A third challenge that you face is to engage your tenants in your safety communication, and make them feel involved and valued. You want to avoid creating a one-way or top-down communication, where you simply tell your tenants what to do and expect them to comply. Instead, you want to create a two-way or collaborative communication, where you listen to your tenants' feedback, concerns, and suggestions, and involve them in the development and implementation of your safety protocols. You can do this by creating opportunities for dialogue, consultation, and participation, such as surveys, focus groups, committees, or events.

4 Educate your tenants

A fourth challenge that you face is to educate your tenants about the importance and benefits of following your safety protocols, and how they can contribute to their own and others' safety. You want to avoid creating a sense of fear or obligation, where your tenants feel that they have to follow your safety protocols because of the potential consequences or penalties. Instead, you want to create a sense of awareness and motivation, where your tenants understand why your safety protocols are necessary and helpful, and how they can improve their own and others' well-being. You can do this by providing clear and concise explanations, examples, and incentives, such as statistics, stories, or rewards.

5 Monitor your communication

A fifth challenge that you face is to monitor the effectiveness and impact of your communication, and how well your tenants are following your safety protocols. You want to avoid assuming that your communication is successful, or that your tenants are compliant. Instead, you want to measure and evaluate your communication, and how it influences your tenants' behavior and outcomes. You can do this by using various tools and methods, such as audits, inspections, reports, or feedback forms, to collect and analyze data, identify gaps, and make improvements.

6 Adapt your communication

A sixth challenge that you face is to adapt your communication to the changing needs and situations of your tenants and your facility. You want to avoid sticking to a rigid or outdated communication plan, or ignoring new or emerging issues or opportunities. Instead, you want to update and revise your communication, and respond to the dynamic and evolving needs and situations of your tenants and your facility. You can do this by staying informed and alert, anticipating and addressing changes, and seeking and implementing feedback and suggestions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?