Corporate

WSPS.CA | 2021 HEALTH & SAFETY LEADERSHIP SURVEY WHITE PAPER 23 Interestingly, respondents who were most committed to health and safety before the pandemic also reported investing more over the past year. In the Proactive category, 82% of respondents significantly increased their budget and 84% of Leading respondents did the same. Overall respondents identified the following as the top three benefits of investing in health and safety. While reduced injuries and costs dropped by 27% to the number four spot on this list, this was still a fairly significant concern for those in the Managing category. It registered as a barrier for 37% of these respondents. However, it stands to reason that if they are working to move to the next level, they would likely see costs increase. The survey results also suggest that the amount of the investment correlates to benefits realized. Employee engagement improved in Leading (75%) and Proactive (69%) organizations, and half of respondents in these categories said injuries and costs were reduced. Only 6% of respondents in the Start of Journey and 22% in the Reactive categories noted a reduction in costs and injuries. Caring for employees' wellbeing was the number one driver for improving health and safety at 76%—up 12% over 2019 results. And, 84% of respondents said that having a strong health & safety program in place is a requirement for suppliers and vendors in the supply chain, representing an increase of 14% over last year's results. Employees and vendors aren't the only ones spurring change. In the May 2020 article, "Elevating Customer Experience Excellence In The Next Normal", written by the McKinsey Customer Experience Practice, the authors note that organizations across all industries have redesigned processes to demonstrate their commitment to improving safety to both customers and employees. They note, "Given embedded fears about public health and excitement about innovations in contactless operations, safe approaches to offering products and services will be critical. Customers will continue to recalibrate their expectations for safety during the pandemic, so companies must respond accordingly." 6 With evolving customer expectations and respondents' shared view that health and safety will be critical to reopening (99%), and will become even more important in the future (85%), we will likely see investment in health and safety among all respondents continue to grow. ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT AND ROI PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY FROM THIS YEAR'S SURVEY WAS THAT ORGANIZATIONS WITH MORE MATURE HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURES FELT BETTER EQUIPPED TO COPE WITH THE CRISIS, AND 76% OF THEM SAY THEY EXPERIENCED LOWER RATES OF INFECTION. NEARLY ALL (96%) OF RESPONDENTS AGREE THAT THERE IS A LINK BETWEEN HEALTH AND SAFETY AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE. THERE IS ALSO GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT THE PANDEMIC HAS DRAWN MORE ATTENTION AND ELEVATED THE IMPORTANCE OF OHS. 1   Low or reduced COVID infection rates 67% 2   Legislative compliance 64% 3   Improved worker engagement 61%

• Cover