Enhancing employee productivity and well-being
Occupational wellness is critical for success in the manufacturing sector. It includes strategies that enhance employee health, safety and overall well-being. Implementing effective occupational wellness strategies can lead to a more productive, satisfied and resilient workforce.
Reducing absenteeism
Absenteeism in a manufacturing setting disrupts production, increases workloads for other employees and leads to burnout and workplace incidents. And it’s often driven by preventable factors, such as workplace injuries, illnesses and stress.
Proactive workplace wellness initiatives can help address these issues. For example, ergonomic assessments can be introduced as part of new hire orientation to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Implementing rotating job tasks can also help avoid repetitive strain injuries. Flexible work hours can reduce stress for employees who have heavy family responsibilities and providing onsite healthcare services can support a proactive approach to avoiding illness.
Promoting employee well-being
Employee well-being goes beyond physical health. It includes mental health, job satisfaction and work-life balance. Providing mental health resources and support can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Flexible work arrangements, such as shift swapping and flexible start and end times, can help employees manage their personal commitments and reduce burnout. According to the 2023 Trends Report published by the American Psychological Association (APA) worker well-being is in demand and attitudes about employee mental health have dramatically shifted. Because of the tight labour market, workers have more leverage than ever to demand that employers provide an environment that values their well-being.
Ensuring safety and compliance
Workplace injuries cost U.S. employers $167 billion in 2022. But aside from the financial cost, workplace injuries can trigger compliance audits and also affect employee morale and productivity.
A comprehensive health and safety program is essential, especially in the manufacturing sector, where workplaces may contain more hazards than in other sectors. A health and safety program includes regular training, education and ergonomic assessments. Safety incidents can result in costly workers’ compensation claims, increased turnover and compliance issues with workplace safety agencies.
Evaluating risks and implementing safety programs
Evaluating risks in the work environment is crucial to keeping employees safe. This involves training employees on hazard identification and assessment, as well as implementing hazard-mitigation measures. Formalized health and safety programs, such as safe operating procedures and fatigue management programs, can help reduce incidents and keep workers alert and focused. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is a great resource for guidelines and best practices to help you develop these programs.
Providing access to health services
Access to health services is an important component of occupational wellness. According to the World Health Organization, workplace health programs can reduce sick leave absenteeism by 27 per cent and health-care costs for companies by 26 per cent. On-site services such as vaccination clinics, emergency care and primary care can reduce the impact of seasonal illnesses and minimize off-site visits for employees.
Having medical professionals on-site can also provide immediate care in case of serious incidents, reducing the severity of injuries and potential legal action. Calian provides healthcare services in a wide variety of manufacturing settings to improve health outcomes and save lives.
Training employees in first aid
Training employees in first aid is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial preventive measure. First aid training can help employees provide immediate care in case of incidents, reducing the severity of injuries and facilitating a quicker return to work.
In manufacturing environments, where the risk of serious incidents is higher, having employees trained in first aid can make a significant difference in reducing the severity of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Ensuring an engaged and healthy workforce
Implementing these occupational wellness strategies in manufacturing can lead to a healthier, safer and more productive workforce. By addressing absenteeism, promoting employee well-being, ensuring safety and compliance, providing access to health services, and training employees, manufacturers can create a work environment that enhances and maintains employee health, safety and engagement.
