Ways to Help Employees Reduce Stress
Many people experience higher stress levels as the year comes to a close because this is often a busy time due to the holidays. On top of this, the COVID-19 pandemic has also negatively impacted mental health, which is why it's more important than ever to provide employees the support they need to reduce stress this time of year.The following are a few of the ways that employers can support employees' mental health:. Encourage employees to take personal time off. Last year, it was reported by ADP Canada that half of working Canadians took little to no time off from work during the holiday season. Encourage employees to use their vacation days to allow them to relax and spend time away from work. If possible, discourage employees from checking their work email during time off so they can fully separate themselves from the work environment.. Communicate consistently. Always clearly communicate year-end information with employees and make sure they are comfortable voicing their concerns. By keeping open lines of communication, stressors can be caught before they cause real issues to an employee's mental well-being.. Review workloads. Managers should be meeting with their team regularly to check on workloads and what can realistically be accomplished. Confirm that employees have the tools they need to be successful and ensure that the appropriate number of people are assigned to each project.. Establish microbreaks. Small, frequent breaks have been shown to boost productivity, focus and well-being. Encourage employees to take these types of breaks by providing a space in the office with coffee, hot chocolate and other treats to enjoy throughout the day. For remote employees, set up "water cooler" video chats they can attend throughout the week to chat with others.Supporting employees' mental health and wellness will have positive impacts on the organization as a whole. For more information, contact KRGinsure today.
How to Protect Workers From Inclement Winter Weather
Winters are known for being harsh, with extremely cold temperatures and large amounts of snowfall. Such weather conditions can be dangerous, causing vehicle accidents, falling injuries and even frostbite. Employers can help reduce the chance of workers being affected by winter conditions.
Consider the following tips to protect workers from winter dangers:. Keep outdoor areas clear. Employers should keep parking spaces, sidewalks and entrances clear of snow and ice. Use appropriate signage to warn workers and other pedestrians of slippery areas. Make sure there are mats in entryways to absorb water and slush from foot traffic.. Protect workers from extreme cold. Be aware of how employees commute to work. If there are employees who walk or use public transit, encourage them to work from home or allow them paid time off for days when conditions could cause hypothermia and frostbite from spending too much time outside.. Communicate inclement weather policies. Make sure there is a plan in place for when inclement weather occupies. Consider putting someone in charge of monitoring weather alerts and advisories, and create a communication plan for how employees will be notified of business closures and what will be expected of them on those days. If a business is open to visitors and customers, have a plan for communicating closures to the public as well.. Allow for flexible schedules. Allow employees to come in late or leave early to avoid driving when roads are slippery or visibility is threatened by snowy conditions.Employee safety should always be the top priority. Not only is it important for avoiding risks, but it also shows employees they are cared for and are valuable assets to the organization. For more information on mitigating commercial risk, contact KRGinsure today.