Resolving fundamental workplace humane treatment issues requires more than competitive compensation or benefits packages. What it takes is to build a work environment which makes employees feel important, protected, and cared for. The organizational focus should also be on work-life balance promotion and fair labor standards enforcement as well as harassment and discrimination elimination. According to a Gallup report, organizations that focus on humane treatment of employees achieve better employee loyalty and work satisfaction, which leads to their long-term success. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), organizations should prioritize employee well-being because it represents both ethical responsibility and business acumen.

What therefore ought to be done? Here’s what thought leaders say.

Normalize Rest Periods in Company Culture

Uncompensated hours: five minutes here, fifteen minutes there, working through lunch, not taking breaks. This is a risk-management nightmare that jeopardizes safety, employee health, and productivity. Allowing rest periods to be normalized under your company culture and leaders modeling desired behaviors will help drive the behavior you want.

JACQUELYN LLOYD, HR Consultant, Jacquelyn Lloyd Consulting

Implement Comprehensive Mental Health Policies

One fundamental issue with regard to humane practices at the workplace is the preservation of the mental health of the employees. Many workplaces neglect to take into consideration how the staff are going to be emotionally and psychologically wound up, and workers end up getting soul-burnt-out and experiencing a loss of productivity. To counter this, I think organizations need to introduce all-encompassing mental health policies that include counseling, mental health leaves, and appointments with managers. There has to be less stigma when it comes to discussing mental well-being so as to create an environment that is more conducive and without mental health blind spots.

Khurram Mir, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc

Foster a Respectful and Safe Work Environment

As a union representative, one primary concern regarding humane treatment in the workplace is ensuring that all employees have a safe and respectful environment free from harassment and discrimination. It is important to me that no one should feel threatened or demeaned at their place of work—a place where we spend one-third of our lives. Addressing this requires a commitment from both management and employees to uphold and enforce policies with transparency that protect workers’ rights and well-being. Regular training, clear reporting mechanisms, and a zero-tolerance approach to any form of misconduct are essential, as well as incorporating all parties in decision-making to support comprehensive results. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability, we can ensure that every worker is treated with the dignity they deserve.

Shaniece Hill, Union Representative, SEIU 1021

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About Humane HR Perspectives

Our round-up series “Humane HR Perspectives” examines the fundamentals of humanising human resources (HR) from the perspectives of top authorities within and relevant to the industry. Q&A sessions with founders, CEOs, HR professionals, business leaders, and other significant players who are influencing the direction of HR are included in every edition.

Throughout the employee life cycle, we address a wide range of subjects in this series, including recruitment and selection, onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee engagement, pay and benefits, and more. We also go over important topics like compliance, change management in the workplace, morale and welfare, workplace communications, and diversity and inclusion.

The “Humane HR Perspectives” series offers insightful advice and practical examples to help develop a more encouraging, productive, and successful workplace—whether you’re an HR professional, a business leader, or just someone who is enthusiastic about creating a great work environment. Join us as we explore the approaches, difficulties, and triumphs that characterise HR humanisation and acquire unique access to the knowledge and experiences of individuals spearheading the movement.

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