As consumers, we’re often quick to complain at the first sign of a strike, delay, or disruption, but we should also consider why it’s happening in the first place and spare a thought for the employees at the heart of these critical industries.
For frontline staff leading operations on the ground, being heard on the issues that matter is crucial. Two-thirds of frontline workers in the UK said that they aren’t always listened to on issues like health and safety, while 40% say their management is “out of touch” with the reality of their role. What’s clear is that in times of extreme pressure, more can be done to support frontline workers.
Prioritising the tools that can make frontline workers’ jobs easier and safer is a vital first step, this summer and beyond. Despite just emerging from a global pandemic, only 44% of frontline workers said they had received workplace health and safety training in the past year – despite on-the-go, mobile training tools being easy to roll-out.
Shockingly, a quarter of staff say they haven’t received any training in the past year – be that new tools and technologies, rules and regulations, or other crucial updates – putting health and safety at risk.
Combat on-the-job harassment
What’s more, people must also consider the impact their words and actions can have on frontline staff – as many of them are unprepared to deal with the fallout.
A quarter of UK workers on the frontline (24%) recently said that harassment and abuse from customers isn’t classified as a safety issue at their workplace. Meanwhile, only 21% have received harassment and bullying training in the past year to help manage such issues.
But, with the right tools in place, frontline staff can be better prepared to deal with the added pressures on their operations this summer – thanks to proper training and being equipped with the safest and most reliable technologies to support them.
Business should prioritise the tools that make frontline workers’ jobs safer and simpler. With digital-first tools in their pocket – such as digital safety checklists on their mobiles, to ensure processes are followed every time, or mobile training modules they can take anytime, anywhere – frontline staff can be safer and more confident on the job.
While complaints can’t be stopped, and people’s behaviour won’t change overnight, being equipped with the right technologies and training enables a safer way of working – and will help us all this summer.
