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The research found that the measures organisations have in place to protect their employees from harm is even more of a concern for the younger generation of workers, with over a quarter (27 per cent) of those aged 18-34 saying they expect their employers to be doing more to keep them safe. This comes as half of women (44 per cent) and a fifth of men (21 per cent) say they feel unsafe in the dark, even when making everyday journeys, including commuting to work. This figure rises to over a third (36 per cent) amongst those who work less regular hours and leave the house or return home when it is dark.
With the amendments to the Workers’ Protection Act introduced in October 2024 further bringing personal safety up the workplace agenda, organisations face increasing pressure to address the expectation from employees to keep them safe.
WalkSafe Partnership
Mitie has launched a partnership with personal safety app, WalkSafe to offer package of employee wellbeing initiatives designed to enhance personal safety. The new partnership will see Mitie develop an enhanced version of the WalkSafe Pro version of the existing app, which organisations can provide to their people, giving them the option to connect with trained operatives in a specialist security control centre, should they feel worried about their safety.
The partnership also enables organisations to evidence their duty of care for colleagues through a platform which allows for the reporting of incidents and the intelligent tracking of progress on how they have been responded to. This helps HR teams and managers to understand their workforce and make sure that a zero tolerance to sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour is taken.
Risk assessments, gap analyses, policy development, and customised training programs to equip employees and leaders with the tools to address workplace safety and harassment effectively are also offered by Mitie. This also includes how to support colleagues who may unfortunately be dealing with unpleasant situations at home, for example domestic abuse. Harassment deterrents are also available including advanced tools like CCTV, panic buttons, and access controls for added protection.
Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie, said: “With the Workers’ Protection Act bringing into focus that employers have a duty to protect their people, all organisations should be considering how they can extend that duty of care. Bringing our expertise in security intelligence, and WalkSafe’s user-friendly app, we’re developing a layer of protection that has not been available to employees before. Our hope is to encourage more employers take additional measures to take care of their people and ultimately support their personal safety.”
On 27 February FMJ will be hosting a webinar in partnership with workplace management solutions provider, Matrix Booking, to discuss the challenges posed by managing hybrid work models, meeting sustainability targets, and dealing with economic pressures, which have long required a fine balancing act for Facilities Managers. This is set to become more complicated this year with the Government announcing plans to allow staff to work more flexibly.
The webinar will bring together the digital experts from Matrix Booking alongside a panel of workplace thought leaders to discuss how FMs can create the perfect balance.
Can’t make it no problem… Simply sign up below and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording. Register for the webinar by clicking here.
