Did you know that 80% of the worldโs workforce is on the frontline? Frontline workers are the backbone of our day-to-day livesโstocking shelves, delivering packages, maintaining our roads, and caring for our communities. They’re the hands-on problem solvers who ensure everything runs smoothly. Without them, entire industries would come to a screeching halt. But despite their crucial role, it seems thereโs still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to their safety and overall experience at work.
The Reality Check: How Frontline Workers Really Feel
A recent study by the O.C. Tanner Institute, which surveyed over 42,000 workers, revealed some eye-opening stats:
- Half of frontline workers feel expendable
- Only 30% feel seen and valued
- 39% think their work isnโt valued as highly as office work
And when it comes to recognition, itโs not looking much better:
- Less than half received any recognition in the past month
- For those that do receive recognition, most say it feels inauthentic and insincere
So, What Can We Do as Safety Leaders?
As safety leaders, itโs time for us to step up. Acknowledging these issues isnโt enough; we need to take action. Hereโs how:
1. Connect More
- Get Out on the Floor: Spend more time where the work is actually happening. Talk to workers, get to know them, and understand their day-to-day challenges. What stresses them out? What would make their jobs easier?
- Show You Care: The people closest to the work understand it best. What ideas do they have to make things better? How can you help?
2. Recognise Better
- Make It Meaningful: Recognition isnโt just about saying โgood job.โ Itโs about showing how one’s work directly contributes to the companyโs success. Make it specific and heartfelt.
- Personalised Rewards: Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach. Let workers choose how they want to be rewarded. Spoiler: another pizza party might not cut it. Give them something theyโll actually appreciate.
- Celebrate Widely and Equitably: Make sure everyoneโs efforts are recognised equally. Donโt let anyone feel left out and take the opportunity to celebrate and share wins across the business.
3. Provide Access
- Break Down Barriers: Many frontline workers donโt have the same access that office workers do. We need to provide them with better access to technology, opportunities for growth, and autonomy in their work. This includes the flexibility to manage their work-life balance and attend to life outside of workโespecially if this benefit is already available to their office counterparts.
- Create Inclusive Channels: Communication and recognition shouldnโt be limited to those who sit at desks. We need to establish channels that work for everyone, ensuring that all workers have the same opportunities to connect, be heard and recognised.
The Bottom Line
Frontline workers are vital to our success, and itโs time we make sure they know it. Their safety, satisfaction, and sense of value at work should be non-negotiable. By connecting more, recognising better, and providing greater access, we can start to bridge the gap between frontline and office workers.
How will you lead the way and create a work environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered?
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