It is essential that we have a practical understanding of the subject in order to effectively integrate it into our daily processes and systems. In doing so, we can better future-proof our organizations and teams for future black swan events.”

What is Health & Safety?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the term ‘health & safety’ can be defined as anything that works towards the enhancement of the physical, mental and social well-being of workers. Additionally, it also helps to support the development and maintenance of working capacity, whilst protecting professional and social development at work.

Naturally then, we can categorize H&S issues either as those that seek to safeguard the physical safety of employees – effectively protecting them from injury, illness and stress – or those that preserve their positive mental wellbeing. Health & safety renovation should therefore be seen as an opportunity to boost employee morale, safety, productivity and most importantly, retention.

There has never been a better time to invest in the tools which help you to better cater to the mental needs of your staff. Remote work may work well for us as leaders, but is it working for our staff? With more efficient communication software, we can ensure that it does by providing regular support and options for them to reach out should they need it. In a world as digitally disparate as our own, effective communication will be everything.

Communications Software

The persistent dangers of Covid-19 and the ongoing social restrictions therein have put a strain on team dynamics at every level of business. Without the opportunity to meet in-person, teams have had to make use of new technical solutions to ease challenges across a range of roles and responsibilities. Due to the remote reality that many of us face daily, some of the most vital solutions are those that focus on interaction and collaboration. For this reason, communications software is more crucial than it’s ever been.

In line with this, we’ve seen a decline in the usage of email and telephony services whilst video and collaboration software are used with greater frequency. People want solutions that simulate the conversations in a normal business environment and this is why feature-rich apps like Zoom, Slack, Teams, Meet, and Discord have become increasingly popular.

The benefits of improving your communication software are numerous but key advantages include:

• Instantaneous communication opportunities with staff, allowing you to quickly establish trust and provide a helping hand if necessary
• Video chat, allowing for face-to-face discussions and progress meetings
• Safe and secure infrastructure
• Easy to learn interface
• Apps and Integrations are easy, all work can be centralized in one place
• According to Gartner, when polling 317 CFOs and finance leaders, 74% said they will move at least 5% of their previously on-site workforce to permanently remote positions post-Covid, and nearly a quarter of respondents said they would move at least 20% to a permanently remote position.

Where workforces are often slow to engage with new H&S protocols, communications software helps ease the friction. By giving staff the ability to reach out and participate in the conversation there is a greater chance of ultimate adoption and ownership of new processes. It’s clear then that integrating effective communication software into change projects helps to enhance the engagement of all employees.

How Communication Software Can Positively Influence Workplace Mental Health

Communications software is a powerful morale boosting tool. Inviting ownership of projects and processes by involving remote workers in inclusive consultation, it’s value cannot be overstated. This  same advantage will also prove a capable weapon to fight isolation and loneliness, two of the biggest challenges facing remote workers at this time.

According to the American Psychological Association, 50% of workers reported that they were comfortable talking about their mental health in the workplace – but almost a third feared consequences if they sought mental health care. It is only by normalizing and destigmatizing mental health issues that these perceived prejudices can be removed from the business world.

The fact that communications software can help workers to speak from the comfort of their own homes on the subject of mental health is a value that we must realize for the remote work revolution. The direct conversation, without the pressure of a face-to-face meeting, will be a welcome alternative for many.

To learn more, download the full report here or continue the debate at the HSE Insight Summit, a GDS Summit, where we bring together senior HSE executives who are actively seeking to share, learn, engage, and find the best technology solutions.

GDS Group hosts experts to help experts. We strive to provide an atmosphere for our attendees that enables them to confidently lead their companies through major transformation projects. For information on upcoming events, view our view our Digital Summits. To remain current on our activities, visit GDS Group on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter.