4 ways to make the workplace physically and emotionally safer

June 16, 2023 10:59 AM

Most employees would not list working as a top source of enjoyment, but don't make it worse than it needs to be.

A toxic workplace was the top reason given by employees who resign from their jobs, according to a recent report from FlexJobs. And while the causes for that are often a lack of work-life balance, a large share of employees also point to bad bosses and managers as the culprit. Business management consultant Perceptyx found that 24% of employees are currently working for the worst bosses they've ever had.

Bad management equals unhappy employees, and in extreme cases, unsafe ones. With workplace violence on the rise, it's critical that leadership is aware of the problem, and actively works to fix it. Whether through training, discussions with employees about how they can do better, or actual safety measures put into place, employers should solve their problems now before their employees find better places to work.

Check out a few tips for improving workplace well-being, from the top down.

Fix poor leadership

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24% of employees are working for the 'worst boss ever'

Employees with good managers are more likely to have the right tools to handle stressful projects and get the job done. Getting stuck with a bad boss, however, can lead to a loss of productivity and high stress. Managers may think they're doing their best, but it's important they recognize when their habits are having an adverse effect on employees.

"Most people don't want to be a bad manager — they are doing the best they can with the tools they have," says Emily Killham, director of research and insights at Perceptyx. "By investing in developing management skills, organizations can cultivate a positive work culture, drive productivity, and retain top talent."

Encourage work-life balance and improve company culture

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Toxic work environment' top reason for resignations

Employees cite poor work-life balance and a lack of advancement opportunities as the top reasons for resigning, according to a recent report by Flexjobs. But there are ways leaders can change these trends, while giving themselves a break, too.

"For employers, the key to work-life balance or work flexibility for your employees is to really model what that looks like," says Frana. "That might mean, as a manager, you step out during the middle of the day and have a quick workout, or go for a walk, or step away for a little bit for an appointment. Modeling that for your team will really help them understand that it is okay to have some flexibility."

Make the workplace safer

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With workplace violence on the rise, how can you keep employees safe?

Instances of workplace violence have skyrocketed over the last several years — especially in the hospitality and healthcare industries. Without the right policies or safeguards in place, employers will quickly lose both talent and money. Investment in building safer workplaces starts with leaders.

"Safety culture really starts from the top, when leadership is invested. It has a profound impact on making sure that it trickles down," says Yasmine Mustafa, co-founder and CEO of Roar for Good, which provides wearable "panic buttons" for employees. "Especially with the world as chaotic as it is today, this is an investment, not an expense."

Model your organization on ones that are doing it right

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15 best companies to work for in 2023

While no company is perfect, jobseekers are still hoping to find their perfect professional match. U.S. News released its inaugural list of the best companies to work for, scoring companies out of five points across six different metrics: quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance, job stability, physical and psychological comfort, sense of belonging and opportunities for professional development. Employers including Etsy, Mattel and others made the list.