The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many organisations operate, with more people than ever now working from home or working alone, away from colleagues. Even though organisations can invite people back into the workplace this summer, it is likely that working from home will continue to be the ‘norm’ for many workers.
This has led to changes in processes and businesses adapting safety systems to the new circumstances, to ensure employees are protected and safe. However, research has shown many employees are struggling with their mental health, which is impacting their overall wellbeing. Indicating that more measures need to be implemented in order for employees to feel supported within the workplace.
We spoke to Vismo, one of our brand new exhibitors for 2021, to ask them for their views on the challenges and how they can help.
Many employees can feel isolated when away from colleagues or working from home. Employees have had to adapt and make a new workplace at home, creating new working environments. The lack of face-to-face interaction means workers can have reduced contact with other colleagues, this can heavily contribute toward feeling isolated. Many people have different situations at home, some may have to keep young children occupied whilst also trying to work, others may live alone. Organisations need to take employee’s personal situations into consideration when implementing measures to protect workers.
Employers have a Duty of Care towards their lone working employees, whether they are working alone in the community or are working from home. A HSE guidacne on how to manage the risks of working alone, states an employer has the responsibility for the health and safety of employees who work from home [1]. Many organisations have technology in place such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, which can encourage more social interaction. However, employers need to implement measures to check on their employee’s wellbeing, such as sending automatic alerts to lone workers, checking how they feel and understanding if they need additional support. When an employee has a good sense of wellbeing, this can increase productivity.
Working alone, especially from home can also bring wellbeing challenges as many individuals can feel isolated from colleagues, especially with the current situation with COVID-19. Organisations need to implement specific measures to understand how their employees are coping and feeling, meaning appropriate support can be provided when required. Vismo has taken action to ensure organisations have the facilities to know when an employee needs extra support. The Vismo App has a wellbeing tile, meaning employees can go onto the App and press how they are feeling such as ‘Good’ ‘OK’ or ‘Not Good’. The options and wording are fully customisable by the organisation. An employer can decide the next steps if their employees are not feeling good, this could include calling a helpline, request a follow-up or the employee can remain anonymous.
Employers who implement measures to manage and reduce risks to employees do tend to achieve multiple cost and risk reduction benefits. By protecting employees, this can improve general wellbeing and happiness which in turn is likely to lead to an increase in productivity.
You can arrange a demonstration to understand how Vismo can help you better protect your employees: https://vismo.com/arrange-demo/ or of course, you can come along and meet the Vismo Team at Lone Worker Safety Live on 12th October 2021. Tickets available now.
- Protecting Lone Workers. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg73.pdf