“Mary has just returned to work 3 months after the birth of her baby. This is her first child and first attempt at a nanny. Every time she keeps calling home and can’t seem to concentrate on work tasks. Would you be safe if Mary were a Doctor and had to operate on you in that condition?”
“Ade shares a small cubicle with 9 other employees at work. The workspace is too tight and there is just 1 fan. If he tries to make himself more comfortable, he’d be encroaching into Lizzy’s space on his right and Yusuf’s space on his left. He has been on this job for 1 month, he’s not sure if he can last with this workspace arrangement.
Some times business owners wonder if it is really necessary to invest business funds in welfare packages for employees. Most especially when they cannot seem to find the direct relationship with productivity. Staff welfare is very important to business success and reputation. No one wants to work in an environment that will frustrate their physical and mental health. People must be treated with dignity in the workplace. This is not a favour but the right thing to do. Therefore it is increasingly important today to look out for the well-being of your Staff.
Staff welfare is important for two major reasons:
Boosts staff morale: No employee wants to leave a job worse than when they got it. Staff welfare boosts Staff morale and confidence that the employer is interested in their overall well-being and not just profit. Staff morale is usually transmitted to clients leading to better client relations which is a plus to any business.
Increases productivity: Productivity on the job will be improved because there is a reduction in sick calls and job injury. This leads to focus on the job for optimal performance. It also helps businesses save money that would have been spent on the fallouts of accidents and incidents.
Good welfare plans at work should address the following areas:
Work environment
This has to be well planned to ensure that the Health and Safety of employees does not deteriorate due work. It is therefore important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation using natural and artificial means. There must be adequate lighting to prevent eye strain. Extremes of temperature must be avoided to prevent risk of illness associated with that. Workspace must be well planned and spaced to give room to each employee. It is also important to keep the work environment safe with appropriate signage. Walkways should be properly lit and free from obstruction to reduce risk of collision.
Welfare facilities
Access to good drinking water, sanitary facilities, eating areas, recreational facilities, child care facilities are great additions to the workplace as they make employees more comfortable. When staff are more relaxed, they can focus on work activities.
Housekeeping
The workplace has to be kept clean at all times to avoid fall and trip hazards. Dirty toilet facilities should not be heard of as they constitute a health risk. An unclean workplace could compromise the Health and Safety of employees.
Right equipment
The right equipment should be provided for work activities. When faulty, they should be fixed or replaced to ensure they do not become a source of injury to staff.
Are you a business owner? You need to consider and act on staff welfare!
