Beyond compliance: Building a culture of care in the workplaces

In today's competitive business landscape, organisations across APAC today are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role workplace safety and care play in achieving long-term success. Recent studies highlight the significant financial and reputational benefits of prioritising employee well-being. Beyond mere compliance with regulatory standards, cultivating a culture of care is essential for fostering a productive, engaged, and resilient workforce.

Looking at Australia and New Zealand, we see established robust frameworks for workplace health and safety (WHS) that emphasise risk management and employee welfare. WHS laws in Australia and the Health and Safety at Work Act in New Zealand provide clear guidelines for organisations to ensure a safe working environment. However, compliance is just the beginning; organisations must go beyond minimum standards to create a proactive safety culture.Similar focus on workplace safety is today necessary across other parts of APAC as workplace policies begin to catch up with employee demands.

But there is also a need to go beyond what policies mandate. Across APAC we see focusing on workplace health become relevant to address rising issues of digital exhaustion, burnout, and a heightened focus on safety at the workplace.

APAC today needs to relook at how it creates a safe and healthy workplace. And it needs to do so by building a culture of care

Criticality of Workplace Safety

According to Deloitte's latest research, organisations that fail to invest in workplace safety face substantial financial consequences. Accidents, injuries, and illnesses, burnout can lead to increased costs associated with medical expenses, employee disengagement, lost productivity, and legal liabilities. Moreover, a poor safety record can impact’s organisation's reputation, deterring top talent and damaging customer trust.

To further empower employees with the right tools and solutions that help them navigate often complex organisational architectures is key for HR to deliver. Platforms such as ServiceNow improve how quickly and efficiently employees are able to find the right resources and ensure their health and safety.

A renewed focus on workplace health and safety helps organisations across APAC be more resilient and leads to better engagement and employee motivation. With rapid external shifts, companies with better engaged workforces are more agile and adaptable. What’s more, preventing workplace hazards by using tools that automate essential processes and consolidates services helps the company create a culture of safety.

A Culture of Care: The Competitive Advantage

A culture of care goes beyond compliance. It involves creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. ServiceNow's studies demonstrate that organisations that prioritise employee well-being often experience higher levels of employee engagement, productivity, and innovation.

1. Enhanced Employee Morale and Productivity  
A safe workplace contributes to higher employee morale. When workers feel secure, they are more likely to engage fully with their tasks, leading to increased productivity. Companies that prioritise safety often see lower absenteeism rates and higher job satisfaction. A culture of care that listens to employees raises belongingness and creates better experience.

2. Reduction in Costs Associated with Workplace Incidents
Investing in workplace safety significantly reduces the costs related to accidents, including medical expenses, legal fees, and lost productivity. According to Safe Work Australia, the cost of workplace injuries and illnesses is estimated to be over $61.8 billion annually. Proactive safety measures can drastically cut these costs.

3. Attracting and Retaining Talent
Today’s workforce values employers who prioritise safety and well-being. A company known for its commitment to a safe and caring work environment is more likely to attract top talent. Furthermore, organisations that prioritise employee care experience lower turnover rates, which translates to significant savings in recruitment and training costs.

4. Compliance Management
Non-compliance with safety regulations can lead to severe penalties and reputational damage. Companies that actively promote workplace safety not only avoid legal issues but also enhance their brand reputation. Stakeholders increasingly look for socially responsible organisations, making safety a crucial part of corporate image.

Key Strategies for Building a Culture of Care

• Empower employees: Offer comprehensive health and wellness programs, safety training and easy to navigate systems that make preventing and addressing workplace health challenges easier.
• Foster Open Communication: Create a safe environment where employees feel comfortable raising concerns and providing feedback.
• Prioritise Safety Training: Regularly conduct training sessions on safety procedures, emergency response, and risk management.
• Leverage Smart Platforms: Platforms that allow for smart automation of safety processes, allows proactive workplace assessments, safety management systems, and data analytics are essential
• Leadership Commitment: Demonstrate top-level commitment to workplace safety and care by setting a positive example and actively supporting initiatives.

As the workforce continues to evolve, organisations must adapt their approach to workplace safety and care. By investing in employee well-being and creating a culture of care, companies can not only improve their bottom line but also build a more resilient and sustainable future. Prioritising employee safety and care is no longer just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for long-term success.