Importance of a Safe Work Environment

As countries across the globe ease their lockdowns and open up their economies, employees slowly return to work. Our country is also gently treading along that path as we complete the 12th day of level four of the lockdown. A fraction of the labour force has returned to work. As HR professionals, our roles have never been more critical and significant in the workplace as they are now during these trying times. Our organizations, specifically our employees, need us to be the beacon of light in ensuring that they are provided with a safe and healthy work environment. We have to ensure that the minimum standards that have been set by the government of what we need to do to ensure a safe work environment are adhered to. In addition to this, we have to supplement them with our own company policies and procedures that are generous in taking care of our employees. We have to pay special attention to employees with comorbidities and those over the age of sixty, as they are most vulnerable to Covid-19. We have to engage with them on a one on one basis and make any necessary special accommodations to ensure their safety. The provision of PPE is paramount, especially we celebrated the International Nurses Day on the 12th of May! We salute all our healthcare workers for all their hard work, care, and dedication!