10 Effective, “Head Down” Ways to Engage Millennials in Workplace Safety

More than one in three – 56 million – workers today in the U.S. is a millennial. They are currently the largest working generation.

Not surprisingly, Millennials (age 26-41) are more tuned to their devices and likely to be “heads-down” in and around a worksite, staring at their phones. OSHA requires employers to provide training to workers who face hazards on the job, but training Millennials requires some special considerations.

The Workplace Safety Challenge

Walking and texting led to more than 11,000 injuries last year. In one study, 60% of walkers veered off course when they were texting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that younger workers are more likely to be injured on the job than older adults. Meanwhile, more than 64% of 13-34-year-olds say their smartphone is the one device they own that they can’t live without.

This fact can also be correlated to less job experience, lack of training and more demand for immediate workers in a busy warehouse / dangerous work environment.

What this Means for Safety Managers

Safety is Important to Millennials: According to the American Psychological Association, Millennials reported that personal safety is a leading cause of stress in the workplace, and they are more concerned about personal safety than any other generation in the workplace.

Also, younger workers view workplaces that utilize modern technology as more efficient, environmentally friendly, flexible, and collaborative. They are looking for evidence that companies are committed to safety. And they want clear evidence that their company has a culture of safety and want to know what their employer is doing to keep them safe.

• Young workers want support, appreciation and to feel as though their efforts and contributions make a difference.
• This new, growing workforce wants feedback, reassurance and to feel as though their upper management notices them and is invested in their career.
• Millennials are used to having immediate, easy widespread access to information whenever and wherever. They’re used to sharing their thoughts and opinions, engagement and being part of the conversation.
• Safety professionals must create better training, work environments and regular workplace safety updates that are learned, shared and applied by Millennials.

Create “Heads-Down” Workforce Safety Solutions

How should safety managers address these changes and prevent high incident rates? Make safety a team effort. Your employees will want to know what safety precautions are in place and how to respond in the event of an emergency. Be transparent about your safety culture and how you protect employees.

As you upgrade your safety training to engage the millennial workforce, be sure to utilize tools and strategies best suited to this unique audience. If you want your safety tips to be heard by the new generations, communicate and educate in ways that resonate with them.

1. Discuss expectations.
2. Treat them with respect. Ask for their opinions.
3. Keep it short, concise, frequent, and current.
4. Use multiple digital platforms.
5. Encourage their involvement: Let them teach.
6. Provide opportunities to collaborate.
7. Offer guidance and growth opportunities.
8. Rely on floor marking warnings to communicate effectively.
9. Apply simple, repetitive, infographic-type signage and visual communication.
10. Communicate their contribution.

Summary

The warehouse and worksite culture are changing before our eyes. New workers are creating both increased expectations and new methods to reduce/eliminate incidents and increase worksite knowledge.

Safety management, risk avoidance and safety training must adjust and align closely with the new learning and teaching methods that have been embraced by the younger workforce. Companies with a firm understanding of the expectations of the new generations will be well-equipped to attract the next generation of talent and maximize their workplace capabilities.

Young workers want to know that safety is a workplace priority. When you create updated, modernized safety training programs and focused safety tips for your new younger workforce, your operation will yield immediate and long-term benefits. And at the same time, you can strengthen your entire workplace safety culture.