By Scott A. Corrao, president of Reflective Apparel
In today's competitive business landscape, retaining top talent is paramount to success. While many factors influence employee retention, one often overlooked aspect is workplace safety, including the provision of high-quality safety gear. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to be loyal.
Below are five ways you can improve employee retention by prioritizing high-quality safety gear.
1) Go beyond minimum safety.
While it can be tempting to simply meet safety standards, there are benefits to going beyond basic safety standards to prioritize employee safety and wellbeing. For instance, an employee may only be required to wear a high visibility vest; however, they may also benefit from a hi-vis accessory, such as a hi-vis baseball cap for hot-weather comfort and additional visibility. The more you care for employees, the more loyal they are likely to be.
2) Ensure employee comfort.
Many employees are required to wear safety gear, but that does not mean employers are required to provide the most comfortable safety gear. While comfort may seem like an added bonus, it can actually increase safety and compliance. The more comfortable a safety garment is, the more likely employees are to wear it and stay in compliance. Comfort features to look for include fabric breathability, soft fabric texture, wicking properties, and features like 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material – 5510 Comfort Trim which does not buckle or rub like sewn on reflective tape.
3) Provide the correct fit.
When it comes to hi-vis safety apparel, solutions are not always one-size-fits-all. In fact, improperly fitting hi-vis apparel can be a safety issue. If a garment is too tight, an employee may not wear it. If a garment is too loose, it can get caught in moving machine parts or snagged on an object. Employees also want to feel good in their hi-vis uniforms. If they are swallowed by a shirt that is too big or their jacket is always a little too tight, it can create discomfort.
4) Personalize safety gear.
There are numerous benefits to personalizing hi-vis safety gear. Corporate-branded hi-vis uniforms increase safety and security at job-sites, making employees feel more secure. Logos and personalization also make it easier for employees to differentiate between people who should be on premises and potential trespassers. In addition, personalized safety gear can be used to identify people by department or role. This makes it easier for employees to know who is who within a large organization. For instance, managers may wear collared hi-vis shirts while their direct reports have traditional tees. You can also show employees some appreciation and give them bragging rights by printing their awards and certifications on their uniforms.
5) Customize safety gear.
When it comes to safety gear, giving employees options within the required safety standards can go a long way in helping them to feel valued. As long as they are within compliance with your industry’s safety standards, allow employees to make choices. Do they prefer a safety vest or a jacket? Do they want a jacket with a removable inner liner? Do they prefer to wear a fleece sweatshirt or hoodie under their hi-vis jacket? The more employees can customize their hi-vis safety gear to suit their needs, the more likely they are to stay with you for the long haul.
Investing in safety sends a clear message to your employees that you care about their safety and well-being. When workers feel that their employer prioritizes their safety, it fosters a sense of loyalty and belonging. So, invest in their safety, and watch your retention rates soar.
Do you need help finding the right high-quality, high-visibility safety apparel for your employees? Reach out to the Reflective Apparel team to get started.
866.998.2649
