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What role does HR have in protecting staff in the physical workplace?

Home Our Thoughts Thoughts & Insights What role does HR have in protecting staff in the physical workplace?

What role does HR have in protecting staff in the physical workplace?

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What role does HR have in protecting staff in the physical workplace?

GET IN TOUCH Home Our Thoughts Thoughts & Insights What role does HR have in protecting staff in the physical workplace? Published: Area: Corporate & Commercial

It is vital that employers ensure that the work environment meets the strict health and safety standards necessary in order to avoid outbreaks of COVID-19 amongst staff members. This is where HR comes to the fore.

Keeping employees safe

HR has played an important role throughout the pandemic. From ensuring that guidelines are adhered to, to providing employees with the confidence to return to work, HR departments have had many complicated and sensitive issues to deal with.

However, it is now more essential than ever that HR managers work closely with both health and safety officers and facilities managers to protect employees returning to the physical office or workplace.

Read our blog on the six measures to implement to make your workplace safe.

Following guidelines

For those employees who cannot work remotely it is essential that businesses provide PPE and implement social distancing measures to ensure safe working conditions. It is vital that these guidelines are taken seriously, and disciplinary action is taken where necessary to increase employee confidence and reduce the chances of an outbreak.

Making things easy

HR departments should also be working closely with stakeholders across the business to distil guidance and make it as simple and straightforward to follow as possible. The easier the rules are to understand, the more likely that employees will follow them correctly and consistently.

While some organisations have learnt that they can function from home, some industries still need their staff in the workplace to survive, and having a communicative HR department is key to that.

For those employees working remotely, our handy ‘working from home’ guide outlines seven practical considerations for employers to be aware of.

Your employees’ safety and wellbeing should be a top priority

If employees continue to work in the physical workplace, no matter what sector they work in, a safe, people-centric approach is paramount if businesses are to avoid mass illness and isolation.

Contact us

If you need guidance on how to protect your employees in the workplace, our employment team can help – contact Michael Hibbs for advice and support.

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