LESSONS STILL NOT LEARNED FROM THE PANDEMIC
R&C: The world has been dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for almost two years. How has risk management changed for companies since March 2020 and what would you say are the biggest lessons learned?
Adeline: One of the biggest lessons is that businesses rely on people, and we have a duty to protect those people. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a human health crisis and as such has put a greater focus on managing health and safety risks. We are seeing mental health and wellbeing getting more focus and managing risks like burnout that are associated with the ‘whole person’ has become more important. The ‘Global Corporate 2021 Survey’ by independent analyst firm Verdantix tells us that market data from wellbeing solutions providers support the idea that mental health has deteriorated, and that 94 percent of environmental, health and safety (EHS) decision makers expect to assume greater responsibility for employee mental health and wellbeing. There are more studies and data available to link presenteeism with reduced productivity and a damaged bottom line. We have also seen the need for EHS and operations to collaborate so organisations can manage risks holistically. Overall, COVID-19 has transformed how companies view and manage EHS risks, putting EHS in the spotlight for greater focus and development.
Jan-Mar 2022 Issue
SAI360