How Does a Well-Implemented Safety and Health Program Affect Employee Retention?

Introduction

Nowadays, companies who fail in providing high quality facilities such as accommodation, safety and health programs can’t achieve talented employment. The employees are more likely to feel burnout at the workplace when there is a lack of mental support, persistent work load, poor work-life balance, and safety measures.

A survey report from Statista (2016 – 2024) on employees of the United States shows that about 28% employees very often or always feel burned out which was 26% in 2016 to 2018.

For organization leaders, it is crucial to invest wisely to provide well-implemented safety and health programs to boost employee retention. As, employees are the most valuable asset and must be at first priority by the company. So, there must be a team of professionals in the organization who raise important questions and implement marvelous solutions such as:

• How does a well-implemented safety and health program affect employee retention?
• What a workplace health and safety program typically includes?
• How do safety and health programs apply to remote work?

Reading this article, as we will dive thoroughly into all these and more to ensure you stay updated and competitive in the current market era.

What Are the Safety and Health Program?

In simple words, safety and health programs are proactive approaches or set of rules to safeguard company employees both physically and mentally from any workplace risk, hazards, or traumatic incidents.

According to NSC Injury Facts, the total cost of workplace injuries in the United States in 2023 was approximately $176.5 billion.

A company’s Safety and Health Program must ensure to take proactive measures for anticipating and mitigating any potential hazard or risks before things happen. A quality program is always conscious about their employee physical and mental wellness, preventing any workplace injury, illness, harassment, work pressure, sexual assaults and workplace inequality, which may lead to employees feeling stressed or burned out.

The table below summarizes recent research findings that highlight the critical impact of safety and health programs on employee retention and organizational costs.

Creating a strong health and safety program and implementing it will significantly reduce the risk of such hazards and legal issues. However, it is still better to run this program in conjunction with workers’ compensation. Even if an accident occurs despite all safety and health measures, the worker’s compensation will cover it. Which is beneficial for both the company’s employer and the employee.

What a Workplace Health and Safety Program Typically Includes?

Upholding a safe and healthy environment in a company’s workplace isn’t a responsibility of a single person or just management. All stakeholders must be involved and cooperative to make a peaceful workplace.

So, what makes a good safety and health program? Let’s dive into 7 non-negotiable components that can promote your company’s safety and health program.

1. Visible Leadership Support: Leaders should take initiatives that promote the well-being of employees through their leadership. When leaders establish a culture that prioritizes safety and health, employees also follow these wellness principles, and feel safe and secure to work in that company.
2. Employee Involvement and Responsibility: A robust health and safety program in any workplace requires strong coordination from both employees and employers. Employees surely participate in safety and health initiative events and meetings and leaders regularly encourage them to share their feedback, suggestions and practical solutions to mitigate any predictive hazard or risk.
3. Hazard Identification and Risk Awareness: Being prepared and taking effective measurements regarding any potential workplace hazard is the essential component of a robust health and safety program. Leaders continuously assess their employees and listen to their concerns regarding any danger of potential hazard and take a proactive move to prevent the situation.
4. Prevention and Risk Control Measures: The company must have implemented strong prevention and control measures against critical hazards especially in crowded areas like cafes. In addition, companies have fast escape plans and emergency exits to prevent injuries and deaths in case of emergency.
5. Ongoing Safety Education and Training: Even with all prevention and control measures in place, company employees are still prone to get hurt if there is a lack of awareness and training. Whole staff including security personnel must understand the company’s safety policies and assure their presence in mandatory health and safety training sessions.
6. Continuous Review and Improvement: Conduct periodic inspection and employee reviews to make necessary modifications in the company’s health and safety program. Continuous assessment is a great tool to elevate employees satisfaction in the workplace and retention rate.  
7. Manage Contractors and Temporary Workers: Contractors or temporary workers may not directly contribute to the company’s business, but providing them equal importance really matters. The company’s health and safety program will safeguard your business and staffed employees better, if it’s equally beneficial for contractors.

How Do Health and Safety Programs Affect Employees?

However, the major initiative of a well-implemented safety and health program is to improve employee retention. Among that, employee welfare is a crucial factor that directly contributes to productivity and their engagement with shared goals.

Here is how well-implemented safety and health program can benefit employees and their ability to perform well at workplace:

1. Ensure Physical Safety and Reduce Workplace Injuries: A well-implemented health and safety program protects employees from any potential workplace hazards, reducing accidents and injuries. A strong prevention and risk management approach lowers absenteeism and helps employees focus on their tasks. Investing in physical safety measures also signal that the company values its workforce.
2. Support Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Employees mental health is important as physical health and can’t be overlooked. A well implemented health and safety program includes managing work type, flexible hours, and remote work options to prevent stress in employees.
3. Build Confidence and Empower Employees at Work: Training and safety programs equip employees with the skills to handle hazards effectively. When employees feel safe, they work more confidently and actively engage with the company’s goals. Robust physical and mental safety measures at the workplace empowers and encourages other’s willingness toward that company.
4. Foster Trust in Leadership: When leaders consistently prioritize employee health and safety, it builds trust and credibility. Employees are more likely to follow company’s health and safety guidelines and engage fully when they see management’s commitment. Trust in leadership strengthens team cohesion and loyalty.
5. Create a Sense of Belonging and Inclusion: Uniform safety policies ensure all employees, regardless of role or background, feel valued and included. Clear protocols and fair treatment reinforce that every team member belongs equally with the company. This encourages collaboration and a positive workplace culture.

Important note: Finding the right job while living with mental illness can be a challenge. We’ve put together some research in our posts about Jobs for People with Anxiety and Low Stress Jobs to help you find a role that fits your life.

How Does a Well-Implemented Safety and Health Program Affect Employee Retention?

A well-implemented safety and health program serves as a strategic cornerstone for modern businesses. It doesn’t just prevent workplace hazards, it creates a culture of care that makes employees want to stay in company for the long term.

Here is how well-implemented safety and health programs affect employee retention and organizational success:

1. Reduced Employee Turnover

When workers feel that their physical and mental health is a top priority, they develop a deeper bond with employers. A well-implemented program removes the “background noise” of safety anxiety, allowing staff to stay fully focused with their task rather than self-preservation.

Many companies prioritize investing in proactive safety measures and see significantly lower turnover rates. Employees rarely leave an environment where they feel protected and valued. Thus, build the high chances for leaders to retain top talent and avoid the high costs of recruitment and retraining.

2. Stronger Employer Brand and Reputation

In the current market era, a company’s safety record acts as a public indicator of its corporate ethics. A robust health and safety program transforms your workforce into brand ambassadors. When employees share positive experiences, it drastically improves your reputation among potential hires.

While, a history of hazards can damage your brand’s market value and stock performance. Also, it may act as a barrier to attract “talented employment” for your company.

3. Higher Employee Morale and Engagement

Employee engagement thrives when people feel that their “most valuable asset” status is a reality, not just a slogan. By involving employees in hazard identification and wellness initiatives, companies boost the collective morale and fulfillment of the team.

This sense of security ensures that workers are not just physically present but emotionally invested in the company’s success. High morale acts as a buffer against stress and keeps staff motivated and confident even during demanding project cycles.

4. Improved Productivity and Work Efficiency

When employees feel safe and trust that their leadership will support them in emergencies, they remain more attentive and focused on their work. This focus leads to faster project completion and fewer errors, directly improving productivity. Instead of anticipating or discussing potential safety threats, employees can engage in meaningful initiatives that enhance collaboration and efficiency.

5. Lower Long-Term Organizational Costs

Investing in safety is a strategic financial move that protects a company from catastrophic losses. By reducing workplace injuries—which cost the U.S. approximately $176.5 billion in 2023—organizations save hiring costs, legal fees, insurance cost, and lower compensation amount.

A company with robust safety plans and reserved sufficient funds in case of emergency can ensure their financial stability for the long-term. While well implemented health and safety programs protect a company’s valuable assets and unexpected financial losses, it also boosts their branding and profit.

6. Reduced Workplace Stress and Burnout

As cited in recent Statista reports, the employee burnout rates are climbing toward 28%. A comprehensive health and safety program addresses this by managing workloads, offering flexible hours, and providing professional mental health support.

It also includes mitigating psychosocial hazards such as harassment and work pressure to prevent employees emotional exhaustion. A workplace free from these stressors ensure your employees remain productive and resilient throughout their tenure.

Do Safety and Health Programs Apply to Remote Work, Too?

The short answer is yes. Many leaders assume that “out of sight”, but according to OSHA, a home-based injury is work-related if it occurs while an employee performs paid tasks using company-provided equipment. For instance, if a remote worker injures their foot dropping a heavy box of files you supplied, or suffers strain from an unergonomic laptop setup you required, you are responsible for that hazard.

Even for a remote workforce, a well-implemented health and safety program is a powerful retention tool. By providing ergonomic stipends or safety training for home setups, you prove to remote employees that their well-being is a priority, not an afterthought. This inclusive approach builds the kind of loyalty that keeps your best talent from looking elsewhere.

Sources and References

• https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/costs/work-injury-costs/ (NSC, Work Injury Costs and Statistics, 2024)
• https://www.osha.gov/safety-management (OSHA, Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs, 2023)
• https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/blog/remote-workers-workplace-safety-know-your-responsibilities (ADP, Remote Worker Safety and Employer Responsibilities, 2024)
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/1382062/share-employees-very-often-or-always-feel-burned-out-at-work-us/ (Statista, Employee Burnout Rates in the United States, 2024)
• https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/work-safety-introduction/ (NSC, Introduction to Workplace Safety and Occupational Health, 2024)