Unit 8.

5 Staff welfare
By the end of this unit you should be able to describe the role and function of the human resources management office in staff welfare Key points Staff welfare involves all the activities associated with producing an environment that protects, promotes and supports the health and well being of the workers in an organization. Some aspects of staff welfare include: Amenities Safe work conditions Physical, emotional and mental well being Working hours and rest periods Non-discrimination, gender equality, equal treatment

Staff welfare
Staff welfare involves all the activities associated with producing an environment that protects, promotes and supports the health and well being of the workers in an organization. Welfare involves physical, mental and social well-being. An important part of staff welfare is the creation of a working environment that is free from fear, threat or intimidation. This will enable workers to communicate openly about their concerns or difficulties. The Human resource department must liaise with all other departments to ensure the best possible work conditions for employees.

Amenities
Amenities are facilities and services that make working conditions more comfortable and enjoyable. The labour laws of many countries specify the minimum amenities that employers must provide, particularly with regard to drinking water, toilet and washroom facilities. Other amenities include: Changing rooms Cafeteria/lunchroom Recreational, sporting or physical fitness facilities Day care facilities for working mothers

Safe work conditions

Poor working conditions, including high stress levels, can result in accidents, injuries and ill-health. Workers become sick or occupationallydisabled less frequently when employers create healthy, safe working conditions. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. This includes the elimination of risk and accident factors and training of workers in safe practices (also see Ergonomics in Unit 1.9). Some measures to create safe working environments include:

Removal or reduction of health hazards Prevention of overcrowding The use of personal protective equipment Provision of safety guards on equipment Establishment of guidelines and provision of training in the handling of hazardous materials Safe access to and outlet from the workplace, including emergency exits Information, instructions, training and supervision about codes of practice for the specific industry or occupation Adequate number of persons who are trained in first aid Well-stocked first aid boxes or cupboards Examiner says ... Staff welfare is not the same as ergonomics. Be sure you learn the difference.

Physical, emotional and mental well being

There is a close correlation between employee health and work performance. If staff problems are not solved, then the organization will be adversely affected. The HR department advises management on methods of providing for the well-being of employees. These include: arrangements for pre-employment and periodic medical examinations access to health care facilities holding of workshops that focus on wellness and safety. provision for employees to receive temporary allowances if they become pregnant, ill, unfit for work or unemployed Counseling services, with the assurance of strict confidentiality
The HR department is also responsible for providing information to management and staff on a wide range of issues, including: Legislation relating to staff welfare issues Statutory benefits programs such as National Insurance, Unemployment Relief Support Groups such as the HIV/AIDS Hotline and Alcoholics Anonymous

Activity Research and prepare a staff welfare policy for an organization of your choice, using the subheadings in this unit.

Working hours and rest periods

Many countries have legislation concerning how long employees may work per day and when they are entitled to a break. This is important because employees must have the opportunity to replenish their physical and mental energy. Generally employees should not work more than five hours without a break. On average, a normal work week consists of 40 to 45 hours (8 to 9 hours per day) and overtime pay must be given if this limit is exceeded.

Non-discrimination, gender equality, equal treatment

It is important for workers to be confident that they will not be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of age, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and so on (Figure 7.4.). Employers concerned about equal treatment also make provisions for the hire of physically challenged workers where possible, including facilitating ease of access to the workspace and amenities. Did you know Most Caribbean countries do not have laws to ensure equal access to employment for disabled persons. Summary questions 1. Safe working conditions are important to the effective operations of an
organization. List five measures needed to create a safe working environment. 2. An effective staff welfare programme requires the investment of time, money and resources. a. State three ways in which the HR department can promote staff welfare. b. Identify four features of a good staff welfare programme. c. State three ways in which the business benefits from its investment in staff welfare. 3. Religion is one basis on which discrimination can occur. State three others.