eBusiness Weekly
Arthur Marara
In an era marked by exponential technological advancements, unprecedented social transformations, and global challenges, ensuring safety has become more critical than ever.
This means taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees and stakeholders. This includes implementing safety protocols, providing protective equipment and communicating any safety risks or concerns. In times of disruption, safety should be your top priority.
As organisations hurtles forward into disruptive times, it is paramount that we place the highest priority on safeguarding our teams in all aspects of our lives. Whether grappling with emerging technologies, navigating complex socio-political landscapes, or weathering unforeseen crises, prioritising safety becomes the compass guiding us toward sustainable progress and resilience.
Disruption, in its various forms, has become a defining characteristic of the modern age.
Technological breakthroughs such as artificial intelligence, automation, and the internet of things have revolutionised industries, redefined human interactions, and transformed entire systems. While these advancements hold immense promise and potential, they also introduce new risks and vulnerabilities.
As boundaries are pushed and conventions shattered, it is essential to adopt a proactive and far-sighted approach to safety, mitigating potential hazards before they manifest in unforeseen ways.
Moreover, disruptions extend beyond technology alone. Societal upheavals, geopolitical shifts and environmental crises constantly reshape our world, necessitating swift adaptation and response. From pandemics to climate change, the interplay between these disruptive forces demands that we incorporate safety into the very fabric of our decision-making processes. By doing so, we can fortify our communities, protect the marginalised, and minimise the negative consequences of these tumultuous times.
We will look at the importance of prioritising safety amidst disruptive times and explore strategies for creating resilient societies.
Prioritising safety in disruptive times is not a mere luxury or an afterthought; it is an ethical imperative.
By fostering safety as a fundamental value, we can build robust systems that enable progress while protecting the vulnerable, nurturing innovation while mitigating risks, and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.
Why prioritise safety?
Practicing safety during disruptive times is important for several reasons:
Protecting lives and well-being: The primary objective of practicing safety is to protect the lives and well-being of individuals.
Disruptive times often come with increased risks, whether it’s a natural disaster, a health crisis, or other unforeseen events. By implementing safety measures, leaders can minimise the potential harm to employees, customers and stakeholders.
Minimising damage and losses:
Safety practices help mitigate the impact of disruptive events. By proactively addressing safety concerns, organisations can reduce the extent of damage to physical assets, infrastructure, and resources. This, in turn, minimises financial losses and enables a faster recovery.
Ensuring business continuity
Disruptions can severely impact business operations. By practicing safety measures, leaders can maintain essential functions and minimise downtime. For example, implementing cybersecurity measures during a cyber-attack helps protect critical data and systems, allowing the organisation to continue operating with minimal disruption.
Preserving trust and reputation
Prioritising safety demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of employees and stakeholders. This fosters trust and confidence in the organisation’s leadership. On the contrary, neglecting safety can lead to negative consequences, including reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and decreased employee morale.
Legal and regulatory compliance
Many industries have specific regulations and standards pertaining to safety. Practicing safety ensures compliance with these legal requirements.
Failure to comply can result in legal penalties, lawsuits and potential liabilities. By adhering to safety regulations, leaders demonstrate ethical responsibility and protect the organisation from legal repercussions.
Employee morale and productivity
When employees feel safe and secure, their morale and productivity increase. A culture of safety promotes a positive work environment, boosting employee engagement and motivation. Conversely, an unsafe workplace can lead to fear, stress and decreased productivity.
Preparedness for future disruptions
By practicing safety during disruptive times, organisations become better prepared for future challenges. Lessons learned from one disruption can inform the development of robust contingency plans and risk management strategies.
This proactive approach helps build resilience and equips the organisation to navigate future disruptions more effectively.
Practicing safety during disruptive times is crucial for protecting lives, minimising damage, ensuring business continuity, preserving trust and reputation, complying with legal obligations, enhancing employee morale, and preparing for future disruptions. It is an integral part of responsible leadership and contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of an organisation.
How to prioritise safety in disruptive times?
Leaders play a vital role in prioritising the safety of their teams during disruptive times. In this part, we want to look at how we can prioritise the safety of our teams during disruptive times.
The strategies here are not comprehensive and will definitely need to be adjusted to suit your specific needs. Here are some ways leaders can effectively prioritise safety:
Communication
Maintain clear, transparent, and frequent communication with team members regarding the developments in your industry. Ensure that employees understand the risks involved and provide them with relevant information from reputable sources. Encourage an open-door policy where team members can ask questions or voice concerns.
Education and training
Provide comprehensive training to team members on safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and any specific measures required during the disruptive period.
Regularly conduct drills and exercises to ensure everyone is familiar with the necessary actions to take in different scenarios.
Risk assessment:
Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities associated with the disruptive situation. Assess how these risks may impact the safety and well-being of team members. Based on the assessment, implement appropriate preventive measures and controls to mitigate those risks.
Empowerment
Empower team members to actively participate in ensuring their own safety. Encourage them to report any safety concerns, near misses, or potential hazards they observe.
Foster a culture where individuals feel comfortable raising safety-related issues without fear of reprisal.
Actively involve employees in the development and review of safety protocols.
Resources and support
Provide necessary resources and support to enable team members to prioritize their safety effectively.
This may include access to personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitisation supplies, remote work arrangements, flexible scheduling, or additional training as needed. Address individual concerns and accommodate reasonable safety requests whenever possible.
Emotional well-being:
Recognise that disruptive times can be stressful and emotionally challenging for team members.
Prioritise their emotional well-being and create channels for employees to seek support or share their concerns. Offer resources such as counselling services or employee assistance programmes to help manage stress and anxiety.
Lead by example:
Leaders should set an example by following safety protocols themselves. Consistently demonstrate safe behaviours, such as wearing protective gear, practicing good hygiene, and adhering to specified guidelines. When leaders prioritise their own safety, it encourages employees to do the same.
Continuous evaluation and improvement
Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures and adapt them based on feedback and changing circumstances. Encourage team members to provide input and suggestions for improvement. Stay updated with the latest safety guidelines and regulations and ensure compliance within the organisation.
Through implementation of above suggested strategies, leaders can create a culture of safety, foster trust among team members, and prioritise the well-being of their teams during disruptive times.
Arthur Marara
Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote speaker, corporate and personal branding speaker commanding the stage with his delightful humour, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. He is a financial wellness expert and is passionate about addressing the issues of wellness, strategy and personal and professional development. Arthur is the author of “Toys for Adults” a thought provoking book on entrepreneurship, and “No one is Coming” a book that seeks to equip leaders to take charge. Send your feedback to [email protected] or Visit his website www.arthurmarara.com or contact him on WhatsApp: +263780055152 or call +263772467255.
