November 18 2024
By: Traci D. Long
Attentiveness is an important aspect of any work. Having your eyes, ears and brain concentrating on the same thing at the same time vastly increases successful outcomes. It is something that is expected in every work environment, but not typically managed or influenced by regular activities.
There have always been things that impact attentiveness – like family life, health, comfort and the physical environment. However, we now also must contend with medicine interactions, post-COVID “brain fog” (which I personally experience), and simply the vast amounts of information being thrown at us daily. Luckily, our reticular activating system (RAS) filters out information irrelevant to our survival.
To help maximize attentiveness, employers should support workers in multiple ways, as each of us need options that will impact us uniquely. Supporting a work-life balance is important to mental and physical health, reducing stress, fatigue and burnout. Optimize training and the work environment, such as lighting and sit-stand stations, which can help decrease distractions. Managers should encourage open feedback and understand the needs of their workers, using respect as the lubricant for engagement.
Are your workers clear and present? Or are they far and away in their mind while performing their work?
Traci D Long is the Director of Operations for ProAct Safety. With more than 20 years of experience, she assists with statistical analyses of safety management data, provides project oversight and management for client and internal projects, and assists with the development of quality assurance efforts.
