Your employees are the backbone of your company; you can’t be a successful business without them. Keeping them safe isn’t just your main priority and ethical obligation, but it’s also the key to your business’s success. Without a safe and positive work environment for your team, your reputation and productivity can struggle immensely. In what ways can employee safety and well-being benefit your business?
Positive Workplace Culture
It can be miserable for both you and your employees to work in a negative environment. When your employees feel safe and happy, they will project that positivity into your business’s environment. Customers are treated better, workloads are more manageable, and employee relationships are better. A positive workplace culture is very important for helping employees and clients feel welcome and happy.
Improved Productivity
When employees aren’t stressed about safety hazards or workplace discrimination, they can better focus on their work. They can get tasks done faster, and work quality is likely to be higher. They’ll also be equipped with the tools to get the job done more productively. With better productivity, your business will operate more efficiently. Clients will be more satisfied, and you’ll have a better brand reputation.
Reduced Turnover
When a workplace is unsafe, employees are more likely to leave. Employee turnover can be bad for business; you’ll have to pay more overhead to replace them. When employees leave your company at faster rates, there’s a stronger chance that they’re unsatisfied in some way with their work or how they’re treated, which can make it harder for you to find additional employees. Many clients prioritize companies that treat their workers well; word can spread quickly if your employees are dissatisfied with their treatment, which can result in dropped clients and lost profits.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Safety hazards in the workplace will likely result in more frequent injuries. When you are constantly submitting worker’s compensation or liability insurance claims, your premiums can rise steeply. High premiums can affect your profits and income. On the other hand, fewer claims and injuries can result in more desirable insurance premiums, which means more money in your pockets and happier employees.
Legal Fee Savings
When employees are unsafe or injured, they may pursue litigation against you or your company. The more injuries or safety hazards that occur, the more you will need to worry about litigation. Attorneys can cost your business a lot of money, and lawsuits will cost you even more. Lawsuits can even put you out of business. Workplace hazards can also result in regulatory fines from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and other departments. There are many common injuries in workplaces that OSHA watches out for, like falls or electrocutions. Electrocutions are one of the top four causes of death among construction workers alone. When workplaces are safe, and injuries are prevented, your business will see less overhead in terms of legal fees and fines.
Better Public Perception
As previously mentioned, the public pays attention to how businesses treat their employees. Former employees can leave bad reviews for your company, and word can spread quickly. Clients can avoid or even boycott your business when they find out employees are in unsafe conditions. The better you treat your employees, the better press your company will receive. Good press means good business!
Positive Company Reputation
When employees are harassed or injured at your workplace, news will spread, resulting in bad press. Employee productivity can drop, causing slow service and dissatisfied customers. These factors can all contribute to a negative company reputation, and clients will turn to your competition instead of you. A poor reputation can lead to a business’s demise quickly.
Competitive Advantage
A positive, safe workplace means a positive, safe brand. The public will recognize your brand for happy employees providing high-quality products or services, making them more likely to choose you over your competition. You can stay ahead of the competition when you maintain a positive brand image. A major way to succeed as a business owner is to provide a service that your competition can’t. It’s important to foster good impressions and avoid toxic business practices to stay competitive and successful.
Conclusion
Workplace accidents can happen to anyone. It’s important to learn from them and do what you can to prevent future occurrences. You’ll also want to take excellent care of employees who experience injuries or safety hazards under your watch. Be sure to provide anti-harassment training, safety training, protective gear, and regular safety inspections to create the most positive workplace possible. Supply your employees with health benefits and worker’s compensation. Listen to employee feedback and be prepared to adapt your business practices to meet your team’s needs better.
Interlinking Opportunities
From (https://www.tamoco.com/blog/5-ways-to-grow-brand-awareness-in-2023/) with the anchor employee safety and well-being
From (https://www.tamoco.com/blog/building-credibility-the-power-of-public-relations-in-shaping-your-brand/) with the anchor positive workplace culture
James is the head of marketing at Tamoco
