During the covid-19 pandemic, many companies moved employees to a working from home model. As we move into a post pandemic recovery economy many companies are continuing with this model. Or, at least a hybrid version of it.
Hoping to continue reaping the benefits and tangible results that they found. Such as; increases in productivity and decreases in absenteeism. In turn employees are requesting home/office attendance models as part to enable a work/life balance.
But there is a downside. That the company and in particular the Health and Safety Manager needs to be aware of. These in particular relate to the sometimes constant connection of the employee or Health and Safety Manager to their work.
Health and Safety Concerns over Hybrid Working Models
Concerns over the, for some, constant connection culture are being taken seriously. In some countries Governments are forming committees to investigate it. This includes the current movement lobbying the UK Government to introduce a “Right to Disconnect” in the Employment Bill. The bills supporters believe this would redraw the currently blurred boundary for some between home and work. It would also show that the UK Government is serious about tackling the dark side of remote working. Protecting the mental health of employees.
The proposed bill is further endorsed by recent surveys detailing that a third of remote workers said they found it difficult to fully switch off from work. Additionally they reported an increase in working time out of hours.
Overall 35 per cent of remote workers stated that their work-related mental health had deteriorated during the pandemic period. All of these of concern to HR and Health and Safety Departments.
So lets explore working boundaries in general. Then additionally the specific pressures and parameters for health and safety professionals.
Why Is It Important to Set Boundaries at Work ?
In a nutshell, boundaries help you to separate your working and your personal life. They also help you stay happy with a healthy work/life balance.
Boundaries are essential for your good mental health. Boundaries encourage us to have a dedicated time to work, and a dedicated time to relax and recharge.
Ways to Set Boundaries at Work
Methods to consider and implement include:
Undertake a Health and Safety Risk Assessment – Specific to understand where hazards and risk lie as regards to employee stress and psychosocial elements
Understand your Workload – This will help you establish a good working pace and set expectations for your role
Identify your Job Responsibilities – Allowing you to notice if additional responsibilities have crept in
Establish a Clear Schedule – Then share this schedule with your colleagues
Communicate Often and Honestly – Develop strong communication skills and express yourself honestly, explaining your intentions and reasoning so that others may understand you better. Open communication may help iron out some issues that caused the need for boundary setting in the first place
Respect Others – And their professional boundaries thus creating a healthy and safe workplace.
Practice Saying No – If you find this uncomfortable then remember that it is healthy and acceptable to decline some requests.
Take Time Off – Allow yourself to relax away from work.
Specific Considerations for Health and Safety Professionals
As a Health and Safety Consultancy, we often see companies where health and safety is not fully understood. Or, where the health and safety culture is not well developed.
There can be the incorrect assumption that the entire responsibility for health and safety lies in the lap of the Health and Safety Manager or designated responsible person.
This is wholly incorrect and unfairly places a huge burden of responsibility on that person. Let alone completely misunderstanding the personal and collective responsibilities that lie at the very core of health and safety.
So how do I Alleviate this and Create Healthy Boundaries ?
The key is to ensure top management understanding and engagement. Then work downwards. Yes, the Health and Safety Manager or designated person has an accountability to provide the correct advice to an organization and undertake their work in a competent manner. But, working to prevent accidents, illnesses and work related diseases is never their duty alone.
All levels of the company including individual employee personal responsibility is included. For the UAE useful reading to help the with understanding of this is:
UAE Labour Law 33 of 2021: Mohre.gov.ae
NEBOSH also provides excellent resources explaining: NEBOSH.org.uk
Even though Switching Off may feel Counterproductive, it’s Playing the Long Game
In conclusion, there must be a delineation between home self and work self. Creating boundaries and taking breaks doesn’t mean that you’re no longer a dedicated or motivated employee, it simply means that you are increasing your capacity to keep harnessing your productivity and motivation.
If you are looking for an HSE Consultant in the UAE, Corporate OHS is a Health and Safety Consultancy whose HSE Consultants offer expert resources and superior performance to give you greater results.
We specialize in creating workable, user friendly solutions aligned to your business activities, operations and budget.
Our range of health and safety consultancy services includes;
- Health and Safety Risk Assessments
- Hazard identification and control measure implementation
- Gap Analysis and audits
- HSE management system development, implementation and review including locally compliant systems such as OSHAD or OSHJ and/or accredited systems such as ISO 45001, ISO 14001,
ISO 9001 and ISO 50001 - HSE legal compliance reviews and assistance
- Accident investigations
- Business continuity and crisis management
- Long term or project based HSE outsourcing
- Flexible monthly support retainers giving access to HSE service without the burden of a permanent cost
To find out more about our services, please visit our website www.corporateohs.com or send an email to enquiries@corporateohs.com, or call 00 971 4 550 7862.