How A Multi-Layered Approach To Workplace Health And Safety Is Driving The Future Of Work

Ensuring a safe and clean workplace is more important now than ever

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new paradigm for workplace culture in the United States. Hybrid and remote working models are quickly beginning to take precedent, prompting employees to demand more flexible work arrangements. As employers discuss the return of in-person work, 43 percent of Americans have concerns about the health and safety of the workplace – with many threatening to leave their jobs if not addressed.

Experts have labeled the current job market “The Great Resignation,” laying bare how greatly employees hold the power in today’s labor market. In August alone, 4.3 million Americans — nearly 3% of the nation’s workforce — quit their jobs, giving workers tremendous leverage as they look for other opportunities and reevaluate their priorities amid the pandemic.

This shift is not without a reason. The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted mental health and increased worker anxiety across the country. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report, U.S. workers are some of the most stressed employees in the world. Some 57 percent of U.S. and Canadian workers — whose surveyed data was combined — report feeling stressed daily, up by eight percent from the previous year.

With employee satisfaction no longer just being benefits and compensation but also instilling confidence in workplace health and safety, businesses must reevaluate their strategies and embrace the lessons learned from the pandemic. The status quo is no longer an option.  

To assuage both vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans’ lingering concerns about the safety of the workplace, employers must put an increased emphasis on cleanliness. With the pandemic increasing worker anxiety, both vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans find comfort in knowing their office is being cleaned regularly. In fact, 89.9% of workers believe robust workplace cleaning protocols are important, and 38.3% would go so far as to consider changing their jobs if their workplace was not cleaned frequently.  
 
These figures represent a clear mandate from employees if they are expected to return to the office: implement substantive protocols to uphold health and safety, or risk losing valuable workers.

To that end, there are concrete steps business owners can take to develop a comprehensive cleaning plan that will not only protect workers’ health but also help employees feel comfortable returning to in-person work.
 

As businesses welcome back employees and look to recruit new talent amid a labor shortage, ensuring a safe and clean workplace is more important than ever. Both current and prospective employees need to know that their employer will not sacrifice worker health for an improved bottom line.