The global COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how we work and feel about re-entering the workplace, as numbers have been increasing and lockdowns tightened. Remote working may have been an adjustment for most at first, it slowly became a preference to employees worldwide.

Many of the changes that have come from the pandemic will become a permanent part of employee experiences in 2021. This is due to the fact that in 2020, several factors caused disruption to the traditional approach to life at the workplace. As the economy resumes in 2021, business travel and office space will be redefined and rediscovered across almost every industry in South Africa.

Not all trends are related to COVID-19, but this will continue to make things interesting in 2021.

Resilience and safety in the workplace

In 2021, employers will be expected to prioritise the needs of their employees, taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe return. Protocols will be put in place and reviewed to limit potential exposure; a practice already implemented to ensure the safety of all employees at work.

Compliance

As the workplace environment becomes increasingly complex with new legislative changes being introduced by government and the Department of Employment and Labour, businesses will look for more ways to streamline compliance-related tasks.

Continuing education for safety professionals

Safety professionals must participate in continuing education courses in order to maintain certifications and stay on top of industry trends and best practices. An increased number of remote learning options are now available, which provide even greater opportunities to further knowledge and education without the added expense of travel or time away from the office.

Mental health

With people working remotely, we see the loss of social interactions and the loss of the feeling of being connected to workplaces. This has given rise to more psychological hazards rather than physical ones.

Psychological safety is still fairly new but establishing a psychologically safe work experience will become more of a focus for companies in the coming year. With more employees working remotely, there are many more opportunities for misunderstandings and for conflict to arise. Mental health is closely linked to psychologically safe workplaces, and companies must consider their approach to remote performance management.

Working Remotely

People have been allowed to work from home in large numbers for the first time ever. Businesses are finding out that it might be more efficient and profitable to have people work from home. In 2021 and beyond, we can expect to see a migration to jobs that allow working from home at least part of the time.

It is clear that the focus on adopting new technology, improving leadership styles and approaches and ramping up continuing education will all play a crucial role in enhancing safety management practices in 2021.

Sources:

https://blog.intelex.com/2020/12/02/revitalize-safety-management-in-2021-with-new-safety-trends/

https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/news/opinion/trends-in-health-and-safety-2021/243577

https://u2b.com/2020/12/09/six-trends-that-will-shape-the-workplace-in-2021/

Neil Enslin | Occupational health and Safety Manager