3 Ways to Help Your Employees Enjoy the Holidays

Businesses of all kinds find that the holiday season is by far the busiest time of the year. With higher demand, employees struggle keep pace in the flurry of activity and the chance of workplace health and safety heightens. 

Here are 3 ways you can ensure your team enjoys a safe and healthy holiday.

>> 1. Keep Work Areas Clear <<

In the frenzy of restocking, running operations, and fulfilling orders, it’s common for work areas to become cluttered. 

Ensure that work floors are clear of obstacles throughout operations. Materials and movable equipment should be placed in designated areas when not in use and floors free of debris.  If materials and equipment must be out on the work floor, place the appropriate warning signs and barriers to call attention to a potential hazard. If cables or hoses are in run in walkways, use cable protectors to prevent a trip or fall incident.

>> 2. Reduce Employee Fatigue to Optimize Productivity <<

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season puts a tremendous strain on employees both on and off the clock. That fatigue can spill over into their performance at work.  Whether standing in one place or walking back and forth between workstations, the result is the same.

Long hours of standing in place decreases circulation and cause an increase in back pain.  The heel strike from walking between stations is a constant shock to legs and joints.  Slippery floors are not only dangerous, but efficiency also suffers as employees move slowly to keep sure footing.  All of these contributes to a decline in productivity and decrease attention to safety protocols and their work at hand.

Boost morale, health and productivity and avoid workers’ compensation claims with the use of anti-fatigue mats suited for the application.

>> 3. Consider Work Schedules <<

The influx of orders means more demand for employees’ time and more stress of higher expectations.  Avoid burnout during the holidays by off-loading work where you can.  If a team member has a schedule issue, try to delegate some jobs to other employees who have a lesser workload.

Consider hiring temporary or seasonal team members who can help your operations maintain productive levels. Your full-time employees can perform at an efficient pace without being overcome with stress and fatigue. Temporary employees can take on tasks that contribute to the safety of their fellow employees, by keeping areas free of hazards and pointing out potential risks.

More than any time of the year, the holiday season is challenging.  Face those challenges head on with preventative measures. Your employees and your bottom-line will thank you.

Still have questions? Reach out to us to let us know how we can help.