In the June issue of SHP, Richard Byrne outlines simple steps to giving positive reinforcement at work to better engage employees.
Health and safety often gets negative press, but praising workers who do the right thing can lead to a more positive work environment. Instead of focusing on what your employees are doing wrong, it’s better for everyone if you emphasise what they’re doing right. Don’t just point out that they’re not wearing the correct PPE, or that their lifting technique is wrong, also tell them when they’re doing a good job.
The article uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs triangle to illustrate how important positive reinforcement is to a person. The triangle includes basic needs at the bottom, such as food, safety, and shelter, and proceeds up towards love and belonging and then esteem. A worker is more likely to want to work hard if their employer recognises that work and shows appreciation, than if it is taken for granted or they feel they aren’t treated with respect.
Highlighting good health and safety practice to other employees is also important. Byrne gives six steps to engaging workers, including giving feedback, putting praise and stories of good work in an employee newsletter for others to see, and having an awards programme to really celebrate a good safety culture within an organisation.
This article will appear in the June issue, out at the beginning of the month.
