Company Excellence begins with the Safety and Health Assurance of the Employees: Are we ready to implement what it takes?

It wasn't long back when the entire country went into a frenzy over the remark by Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy. He promoted the notion of working 70 hours per week for better productivity and the success of the organisation.

But is it the only way to achieve the goals of a company? Wouldn't it threaten the safety and health of the employees?

"Studies have shown that almost 7 out of every 10 working professionals are suffering from occupational stress and depression."

Recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted workers' vulnerabilities. Subsequently, it sheds light on the need for robust health and safety measures to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.

You might wonder why safety and health protocols are significant for us.

In today's fast-paced and dynamic work environments, ensuring the health and safety of employees has become more crucial than ever. As portrayed in a survey conducted by Prasad et al., 2016, more than half of the employee population reported extensive stress due to longer working hours.?

It gives rise to another important question. Are there any government policies focusing on minimising employee safety and health concerns?

Legislative Mandates:

In response to the evolving landscape, governments worldwide have introduced regulations necessitating corporate health insurance for employees.?

“As reported by Forbes, India shows approximately 14% inflation in medical expenditure, making insurance an ideal solution.”

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has made it compulsory for employers to provide medical insurance to their staff members. This move aims to safeguard employees' well-being and mitigate the financial burden associated with healthcare expenses.

“70% of the companies provide insurance packages extending to the employees’ families, significantly alleviating their monetary burden.”

Remember, it is not just a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to protect the most valuable asset of an organisation—the employees.

Creating a Safe Environment

Organisations must prioritise preventive measures and risk management strategies to foster a culture of health and safety.?

Implementing the hierarchy of regulation, as recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), can serve as a foundational framework. This approach emphasises elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate workplace hazards effectively.

Some popular examples of ensuring safety at work include fire safety, threat report system, accidental training, access control, surveillance cameras, emergency evacuation drills and plans, and more.?

Another idealistic step for promoting holistic health security for working professionals is addressing psychological distress. Introducing an in-house mental health expert on office premises is gaining popularity globally.?

Numerous other innovative and considerable methods ensure employees feel acknowledged for their health.?

An Australian trade company, S&P Global, has launched an initiative, "People First 9.0", where an exciting addition to the employee perks is – one year of paid sick leave for working professionals diagnosed with cancer or other chronic diseases.?

This initiative expresses the employer’s commitment to promoting the employees’ safety and health. Such notions have been proven to increase the rate of employee satisfaction, dedication, productivity, and loyalty to the company.?

But are there any common steps in implementing the health and safety measures??

Employee Training

Investing in employee training and education on health and safety matters is paramount. By equipping workers with the knowledge and skills to identify and address potential risks, organisations can empower them to play an active role in maintaining a safe working environment.?

Moreover, comprehensive health and safety training demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and enhances organisational resilience.

Tripartite Collaboration

The foundational requirement to establish a health and safety culture is collaboration among employers, employees, and regulatory authorities.

Tripartite dialogues facilitate the exchange of ideas, best practices, and regulatory compliance, fostering mutual commitment to workplace safety. By engaging stakeholders at all levels, organisations can cultivate a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

HexaHealth CEO and co-founder Ankur Gigras stated, "It is imperative to prioritise health and safety in the workplace. Through a proactive approach and integration of health and safety protocols, businesses can create safer, healthier, and more resilient working environments for their employees."

In conclusion, formulating a workplace culture of health and safety is not just a legal obligation—it's a strategic and moral urgency.

By focusing on the well-being of employees, organisations can enhance productivity, foster employee engagement, and safeguard their most valuable asset—their people.