Workplace Awareness
After reading this Deloitte article, we have been discussing how times are changing non-stop. Gone are the days when the workplace is an institution run by an iron fist, which I’m sure we can all agree, is a welcome change.
Having recently hosted a budding entrepreneur on his high school work placement, it was refreshing to get another younger point of view on how workplaces can really achieve their goals.
As it turns out, being a socially aware, caring, and employee-centred employer is increasingly important, as not only is it ever more front and centre in tendering, but it is also key to attracting and retaining an energetic and loyal workforce.
So, how do you do that, and how can your policies lead the way?
Being Socially Aware
Being socially aware need not cost the earth, but it may just make it a better place!
No matter the size of your business, being socially aware and buying into the three pillars of sustainability is achievable!
Being a Local Champion
Focus on the local community; it might surprise you what there is on offer and will also help you to reduce your carbon footprint!
- Buy locally
- Employ locally
Making Environmentally Friendly Choices
Making small changes can make a BIG difference! Thinking twice about whether you actually need to buy and whether what you are replacing can be put to good use elsewhere are great starts.
- Sensible procurement
- Reduce waste
Investing in The Community
As we recently found at Policy Pros, sharing our experience and knowledge with the next generation is eye-opening and very worthwhile for both us and our student learner! So, too, is watching the progress of the community projects we support.
- Invest in grassroots and community projects
- Host work placements and internships
Engaging Your Workforce
Your staff are most likely your greatest asset, and every individual brings with them their own unique points of view, interests, knowledge, and experience. More so, engaging your workforce will more likely lead to higher engagement with training and initiatives.
- Implement employee working groups
- Engage employees through training
Wherever you want to start, Policy Pros can help you to develop a set of Social Policies that will enable you to show off your social and ethical prowess.
Being Caring and Employee-Centred
It’s easy to believe that employees are driven by higher wages, company cars, and more holidays, and maybe that is part of it. But what else helps to secure a happy and healthy workforce?
How about rethinking what you have to offer and how you communicate it?
Promoting Mental and Physical Health
Ensuring that you support your employees is key to supporting a healthy workplace and can be achieved by implementing some small but meaningful changes.
- Think about how you will support employees undergoing IVF, who struggle with periods, who are transitioning, or who are going through menopause and put some policies in place to outline your offer.
- Develop a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy.
Enabling a Healthy Home-Work Balance
Since the pandemic, there has been a dramatic increase in home working, and whilst it may not be suitable for all employees, some may greatly benefit from a more flexible working pattern.
- Think about whether home or hybrid working may be a possibility, and if not, consider flexible hours, part-time working or job-sharing opportunities.
- Remember, supporting part-time, casual, and remote workers means that you attract a larger number of qualified candidates to roles and enable them to stay in those roles whilst maintaining a healthy balance.
Using Positive Language
More and more, we are asked to write in a way which promotes positivity.
- Policies where the aim is to benefit the employee rather than set out the ‘rules’ leads to better engagement.
- Setting out why you are a positive and supportive employer who trusts your staff members surely means that you are a positive and supportive employer.. doesn’t it?!
This may all seem daunting, but with Policy Pros, it is easily achievable with our consultancy, writing and reviewing services. So, if you are looking to move in a new direction with your policies or simply need some ideas on how you can reshape your strategy, please get in touch.
And thank you to Kaya for inspiring me!
