Workers’ wellbeing and work climate are often cited as two of the most crucial factors that contribute to the success of an organisation. When employees feel safe and cared for, they are more likely to stay with the company, reducing recruitment and training costs.

A report from Aviva (2011), The fifth Aviva Health of the Workplace Report, demonstrates that nearly two-thirds of workers would work harder for an employer that invested in their health. Moreover, the same study showed that 42% of the employers asked said that a good work/life balance helps increase morale and productivity and 63% believe that a healthy workforce is more productive than an unhealthy one.

Attracting talent
A safe working environment fosters a positive workplace culture that nurtures employee satisfaction and loyalty. Companies with strong safety records can leverage this reputation to attract top talent. Potential employees are more likely to be drawn to organisations that prioritise their wellbeing, thus streamlining the recruitment process and potentially reducing hiring costs.

Retaining staff
A high rate of accidents and illnesses can get in the way of staff retention efforts. If your staff notice risks that aren’t being addressed, they may be likely to attempt to find better working conditions elsewhere. As a result, you may have to pay the costs of advertising, recruitment and training which are all a significant financial and time cost.

Reducing absenteeism
When employees understand how to work safely, they are less likely to suffer injuries that could result in absenteeism.

Health and safety training often includes education on maintaining personal health and wellness in the workplace. This can include topics such as ergonomics, proper lifting techniques, and strategies for managing stress. By promoting healthier work practices, employees may experience fewer illnesses and injuries, leading to reduced absenteeism.

Corporate responsibility
In today's market, companies are often evaluated based on their corporate responsibility, which includes their commitment to employee wellbeing. Organisations that prioritise health and safety not only meet legal requirements but also gain a competitive edge. They become more attractive to prospective employees and may also find it easier to retain existing staff.

News of workplace accidents can spread quickly, damaging a company’s reputation and causing long-lasting harm. On the other hand, a robust health and safety training program can positively influence public perception. Companies known for taking employee wellbeing seriously are often viewed as more reputable and trustworthy, which can be beneficial for businesses in multiple ways.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and health and safety are closely related, as both involve the commitment of businesses to act responsibly and ethically towards their stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment.

Maintaining reputation
Companies can protect their reputation, gain a competitive advantage, and establish themselves as socially responsible entities that value their employees and stakeholders alike by prioritising workplace health and safety. Businesses can reinforce a positive brand image that resonates with consumers and fosters a culture of safety within and beyond their organisations through continuous improvement and strategic public relations efforts.

A strong commitment to health and safety can enhance an organisation's reputation as a responsible employer. This can be appealing to both current employees and prospective hires, as well as customers and clients who value ethical business practices.

When employers invest in health and safety training, it sends a message to employees that their wellbeing is valued and that the organisation is committed to providing a safe work environment. This sense of support and concern for their welfare can increase job satisfaction.

Accredited businesses
Businesses that gain accreditations, such as IOSH or ISO certifications (e.g. ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety) demonstrate a commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of their employees. This can lead to higher levels of employee engagement, morale, and job satisfaction, as employees feel valued and supported by their employer.

DPD, the UK’s leading express parcel delivery brand, has invested in its workforce to create a more positive health and safety culture. Says Sally Harris, Head of Health and Safety:

“We wanted to make a shift towards a more positive and extensive health and safety culture and we felt the best way to do that was to equip our managers and people with greater knowledge and responsibility about health and safety and why it’s critical to our operation and of course them.

“IOSH Managing Safely therefore acts as the point at which we start to build on our people’s H&S knowledge and educate them further in all aspects of health and safety. We've used a wraparound approach to try and encourage that culture shift, with IOSH Managing Safely as the baseline.

“We decided to go with the face-to-face option because part of what we are doing is building on a positive cultural shift. It's a way for the business to demonstrate that health and safety is important and that people are being given the space and time to come away from their work to learn in a classroom environment.

“It was very important for us as a business to have training that is accredited. I spent 21 years as a regulator for the Health and Safety Executive and I have seen first-hand how IOSH Managing Safely makes a difference within a business. An accredited course shows that we're serious about this, and it's a benchmark standard. People are seeing that the business is investing in their health and safety and that it is important to the business and therefore important to them.”

Read DPD's full story here