When dealing with employee personal safety issues in a retail, hospitality, or workplace setting, it is important to highlight the significant difference between what are the perceived capabilities are and what my capabilities actually are. This difference can be influenced by many factors, including media, social influences, personal experiences, and developmental stages.
Reality (for a better term!!) provides a foundation for informed decision-making ensuring that preventive measures and interventions are effective and tailored to actual risks. A realistic understanding of personal safety fosters a workplace culture of awareness, responsibility, and resilience.
Some employees may have an unfounded perception of their ability to manage aggressive or confrontational behaviour from a customer or client. Some may be overconfident that the safety measures in place, such as security protocols or policies, are more effective than they actually are whilst others might perceive certain situations as less risky than they truly are, leading to a lack of vigilance.
While safety measures are essential, there might be gaps or unforeseen circumstances that employees need to be aware of. Regular training and updates on safety protocols can help align your employee’s perception with reality. It assists workers to recognise potential risks, dynamically assess situations accurately, and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. Training in pre-incident indicators, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques can provide employees with the skills needed to manage difficult situations effectively.
Addressing the gap between perception and reality in personal safety involves providing accurate information, fostering open communication, and promoting a realistic understanding of potential risks.
The personal safety education that we offer considers the specific needs of your company and employees, contributing considerably to a more informed and empowered approach to personal safety.
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3moGreat to hear, Safety First! Well Done!!