Implementing a strong health and safety strategy has a multitude of positive influences on the workplace. Health and safety and mental health now go hand-in-hand. With businesses taking greater responsibility for the mental welfare of their employees, integrating strong health and safety processes can be one of the most effective future proofing exercises an organisation can undertake. 

What actually is health and safety? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that ‘health and safety’ can be defined as anything that works towards the enhancement of the physical, mental and social well being of workers, and supports the development and maintenance of their working capacity as well as their professional and social development at work. 
For businesses this means that their health and safety protocols should be focussing on two key areas, physical safety and mental health. And in light of the current climate, executives should now be reinvigorating (and investing in) their health and safety infrastructure. By enhancing your employees’ work environment to help them maintain a healthy and happy mental state – you will boost employee morale, safety, productivity, and retention. All of which lead to revenue growth. 

It goes without saying that COVID-19 has significantly impacted workforce mental health, and that businesses have a duty of care and response.  Investment in effective communication software or exploration of business restructures – are both themes we are repeatedly seeing as the year draws on, in order for companies to competently manage the health and safety requirements of their teams.    

Business restructuring

By and large, people have demonstrated that they can work effectively from home. But remote working does not come without its challenges, one of which is the continued responsibility of the employer to support their workforce’s physical and mental health even when not in this office. 

But whilst many will see this as a cost and a challenge, it could actually release capital in the long run. The rise of productivity and job satisfaction in remote workers has given a clear insight into how ways of working could be altered permanently. For some, permanent global remote working is a real option – reducing almost all premises and lease costing. For most others, a hybrid approach is likely to be favoured – which could mean the use of temporary or on-demand office space rather than permanent residences. The subsequent cost of supporting health and safety from a distance will likely be fully covered by the money saved on operations.

According to Gartner’s study of 300+ CFOs and finance leaders, 74% will move at least 5% of their previously on-site workforce to permanently remote positions post COVID-19, and nearly a quarter will move at least 20% to a permanent remote position. 

A successful restructure could be the key to improving the mental health of your workers. Executed properly, you could realise benefits including increased productivity, widened talent pool, improved employee retention, a more efficient corporate structure, and increased employee satisfaction. 

Continue the debate at the HSE Insight Summit NA, 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 Digital Summits. To remain current on our activities, visit GDS Group on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter.