There has been an enormous amount of talks and attention focused on remote working ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started creating havoc across every street of the world. In today's new normal, the virtual workplace is becoming more the norm than ever in the past. Now comes the big challenge - what about employees who aren't able to efficiently perform their duties remotely?
Some industries such as manufacturing, eCommerce, maintenance, mining, and construction require employees to physically attend the workplace. These industries usually have a number of small or medium-level jobs that are generally described as involving manual labor at an hourly wage. A big majority of these organisations faced the stiff challenge of keeping their operations running while ensuring employees stay safe while being on the job. For instance, Amazon invested more than $800 million in safety measures in 2020 while also introducing a series of new process changes. While a lot has changed, Amazon's goal to ship out 18,000 packages during a single shift remains the same.
Just assume the kind of risks and challenges organisations face when employees are sick or unable to work. Operations slow down, productivity declines, and supply chains get disrupted. From the point of view of employees, this may mean fewer paychecks, harsh health outcomes, mounting medical bills, or even temporary/permanent loss of employment.
According to a survey, a majority of surveyed people said it should be the responsibility of the employer to ensure that their offices are clean. 73 percent of people were of the view that they would feel safer if their co-workers had to get a temperature check before they can even enter the workplace. More than 50 percent feel that all workers should follow company guidelines for social distancing and cleanliness at all times.
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the spotlight of workplace safety in the context of employee well-being on the employers, with 71 percent organisations listing employee safety and well-being as their top business priority in a global survey. The other top business priorities were ensuring financial stability (47 percent) and cost optimisation (44 percent).
Today, advancements in the segments of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are assisting organisations to keep workplaces healthier and safer through preventive and safety measures such as safety zoning and thermal imaging.
From manufacturing to health care, digital health monitoring is usually seen as the sole responsibility of the employer. However, no leader or individual can singlehandedly oversee the COVID-19 pandemic alone. It will take processes, people, and technologies to restore employee and customer confidence. Putting in place the process, technology, and people will not slow down progress. Instead, it will do the opposite to make it a win-win for everyone.
Find out how Dynamics 365 CRM can help you with digital health monitoring to marginalise operational disruption and earn employee confidence. Call C.I.G Consultants now!