As COVID-19 considerations continue to evolve, being ready for change is essential for organizations throughout the US. Being proactive, or preparing in advance, will set you and your company up for success during these volatile times. This article will cover what it means to be proactive in your team’s safety, as well as what companies in the US are doing to look out for their staff in advance.
Are You Practicing Proactive or Reactive Safety?
Proactive individuals act before an event happens so that they are prepared for the event if it does occur. In comparison, reactive individuals are called to action upon the event occurring. Their reaction is how they deal with the event at hand. While being reactive requires less preparation, it often leads to less desirable outcomes that are a result of unpreparedness. From an organization’s perspective, being proactive entails being ready for something if it happens. Sometimes used synonymously with ‘preventive’, proactive safety measures often involve taking steps to prevent an adverse event from occurring, before it happens.
Examples of Proactive Safety During COVID-19
In times of uncertainty, the best thing to do is prepare. As the spread of COVID-19 has occurred at alarming rates throughout the United States, companies began to make plans in advance to deal with the ever-changing atmosphere. As more corporate offices are shifting to working remotely in corporate and in field environments, it's important to discuss how safety plays a role in this dynamic shift.
Work-from-home policies have been implemented by most US organizations in efforts to proactively prevent any further spread of the virus. The transition from office to home does not come without its unique challenges and obstacles for each industry. Many companies prepared to employ a remote workforce by trialing various video-conferencing platforms which allow team members to collaborate as they would in the office.
Setting up a Productive Workspace
As workers set up their at-home workspaces, companies can be proactive by providing their team with best practices for setting up a productive work-from-home environment. It’s essential that employees have everything they need to work safely and productively from home. Thus, companies must be proactive in ensuring that this is so. If possible, the budget should be allocated to aid employees in setting up their home office.
Considering Mental Health
Recognizing that working from home can be isolating and lonely at times, several companies are being proactive about supporting the mental health and well-being of their employees. If within budget, it’s a great idea to allocate extra resources to your staff for wellness-related activities. Employees can choose to spend their wellness budget on meditation programs, online gym memberships, yoga programs, or new running shoes, for example. Not only is this an effective way of looking out for your team’s mental health, but it also shows that you are there for them during these challenging times.
Test It Out
Furthermore, companies are realizing the reality that productivity may suffer initially as employees and employers alike navigate the challenges associated with switching to a 100% remote workforce. Proactively evaluating and re-assessing deadlines and project timelines might be a good idea. It’s important to be realistic and to avoid setting unreasonable or unachievable goals. Recognizing that this time is very much a “trial period” for most organizations is an effective way of proactively setting work expectations.
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Proactively Implementing a Lone Worker Safety Monitoring System
Several organizations throughout the United States have recently added a lone worker safety monitoring system to their safety system. A worker monitoring solution is a proactive, effective way to ensure the safety of all staff members, regardless of their activity or location. With much of the US workforce currently working from home, employees who once worked in a bustling office space are now all considered lone workers. Working from home does not necessarily increase the safety of an employee, especially if they are now working alone. A lone worker monitoring solution is a form of proactive monitoring that allows workers to check-in regularly throughout their shift. Check-in time intervals are pre-set, and if one is missed, your company will be able to act accordingly. Designed to prevent accidents before they happen and to mitigate risks for lone workers, lone worker safety monitoring systems are an essential aspect of proactive safety.
The Advantages of Being Proactive
Like many aspects of life, being prepared rarely has a negative outcome. However, failing to prepare adequately often leads to poor results. Safety is no different, being proactive will allow your organization to act in a timely and effective manner as events unfold. It grants you a backup plan, which often results in saved time and money. It is true that proactive safety is more costly in the short term, however, safety is an investment. The cost of an accident in the workplace will far exceed the resources allocated to the implementation of proactive safety measures. Lastly, preparing in advance for obstacles along the way will save you the headaches that come with a workplace incident. Even though COVID-19 has been a significant obstacle for most organizations, those that employ proactive safety measures will be better positioned to deal with events as they unfold. Proactive safety measures show your employees that you care about their safety and well being by promoting a long-term focus. Businesses that act proactively do so to cultivate a successful future.
