How can employers support frontline staff?

Today, there is a greater expectation for employers to support their frontline staff — especially in the post-pandemic world, according to a white paper.

Humanforce's white paper explained that shift-based, frontline workers went above and beyond to keep critical services running amid the pandemic.

However, these employees aren't immune to various health issues likely due to the nature of their work, such as rotating schedules, that lead to erratic eating and sleeping schedules.

Financial stress is also impacting frontline employees, as these workers are likely to be in "highly casualised workplaces who are in low-pay roles," according to the paper.

As a result of these financial concerns, frontline employees said their mental health, sleep, self-esteem, and physical health, among others, are impacted.

To help employees, Humanforce's white paper offered five tips that employers can do. They include:

• Create rosters that prioritise employee wellbeing.
• Build in periods of proactive rest.
• Find ways to offer autonomy and flexibility to workers.
• Tailor support and solutions to suit the unique circumstances of shift workers.
• Encourage managers to proactively check-in with team members.

In terms of employees' financial stress, the report said assistance doesn't immediately mean offering more pay.

"A one-size-fits-all approach to financial wellbeing is less effective than empowering deskless workers to pick and choose from a range of benefits that suit their personal circumstances," the paper read.

This means offering employees tools, resources, confidence, and education to help them navigate tough times, according to the paper.

Humanforce's white paper bared in-depth information on the struggles of frontline workers and how employers can help them. Grab your own copy here.