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• Provide vision insurance.
  Encourage employees to get a regular or low vision eye exam and an evaluation of their eye health at least once a year. Your insurance agent can assist you in providing affordable vision insurance for your employees.
• Maintain good lighting.
  In addition to a well-lit office, provide task lighting that reduces eye strain and protects vision.
• Increase the font.
  Provide large-print employee manuals and other reading material, and show employees how to increase the font on their computer monitor, cellphone and other electronic devices.
• Change the screen contrast.
  A low contrast screen reduces glare and eye strain as your employees use their computers, cellphones and tablets.
• Promote protective eyewear.
  Sunglasses with UV protection block harmful sunlight while eyewear with anti-radiation blocks blue light. Both of these protective tools prevent eye damage.
• Provide adaptive devices.
  Magnification devices and computer access software can help people with low vision maximize their sight. Ensure employees with AMD or low vision have access to these devices.
• Implement a wellness program.
  A balanced diet and regular exercise may reduce your employees’ risk of developing macular degeneration.
• Support smoking cessation programs.
  Nicotine use can aggravate macular degeneration.
• Recommend supplements. A multivitamin and fish oil can protect vision and slow the development and progression of dry AMD. Employees should talk to their doctor before they take any beneficial supplements.

• Unfulfilled Employees
  Employees lose focus and motivation to work harder when they don’t enjoy or want to do the boring, menial or unfulfilling work they’re assigned.
• Missed Deadlines
  Your company may miss production deadlines if employees are unable to finish projects on time.
• Reduced Quality
  The goods or services your company provides suffer when employees become distracted.
• Poor Customer Service
  Procrastination and wasted time can affect the service customers receive and ultimately cost your company money.
• Internal Relationship Strains
  Co-worker relationships suffer when individuals don’t pull their weight.
• Loss of Business
  Your company’s reputation is compromised and you could lose business if you deliver inconsistent products or miss deadlines.

• Lead by example.
  Supervisors and other members of the management team must show employees how to maximize their time each day.
• Provide training.
  Equip employees with time management tools and strategies they will use.
• Set goals.
  A timeline with delivery deadlines can motivate employees to work harder.
• Clarify expectations.
  Satisfied, fulfilled and conscientious employees know the details of their job description and what’s expected of them.
• Show the big picture.
  When employees get your company’s vision and understand how their contribution affects the company’s success, they’re more likely to work hard.
• Challenge employees.
  Ensure each of your employees has adequate and challenging work that keeps them satisfied and busy.
• Offer incentives.
  Rewards can motivate employees to work faster and harder.
• Provide accountability.
  Employees may waste less time if they know that their performance is measured consistently, objectively and in a constructive manner.
• Implement and enforce a cyberloafing policy.
  Clarify when employees can use the internet for personal use and implement internet filters that block certain sites and reduce cyberloafing. Then enforce the policy consistently.
• Insist on breaks.
  Regular breaks throughout the day reduce monotony and give employees time to recharge.
• Socialize outside of work.
  Arrange social events after work so employees can talk, gossip and connect on a personal level as they have fun and build teamwork and cooperation.

How many times do you walk by fire extinguishers without checking those tags or past first aid kits without peeking inside to assure the contents are complete?

Most executives do not spot check these life saving tools.  That task is delegated to maintenance.  But these decisions are life and death, not simply profit or loss.  Show your employees you care; that you lead their safety program rather than follow pro forma insurance checklists.

Start your spring cleaning here: walk through your operation and stop occasionally to check if you can easily spot the nearest fire extinguisher.  Read the label.  Is it appropriate for the work area?

Stand at each fire extinguisher station and visualize successful deployment.  Is it easy and natural?  Can you travel unharmed to the nearest fire exit using the fire extinguisher to clear a path?

Observe any long pathways between fire extinguishers and exits.  Would another canister or different fire suppression device or system help?

Take some notes as you walk through the operation.  Review these observations with the person tasked to keep the equipment updated.

Repeat the above exercise with regard to first aid kits.  Are they easy to spot?  Easy to access one-handed?  Do they have instructions for calling emergency help?

These exercises do not require a great deal of time or scheduling.  Simply make a point of checking these items every quarter, something of an internal surprise inspection.

Add ten minutes every three months to your walk-through routine.  It doesn't need scheduling or ceremony.  Simply observe, become conscious of the emergency response routine.  Are fire exits clogged with storage or debris?  Are aisles kept unobstructed?

Is a specific person charged with de-icing fire escapes?  As you walk through your operations, take notes of these questions.  Think through an emergency evacuation, then review the written plan for your company.  Does it make common sense?  Does it raise questions for your risk manager or safety specialist?

Does your at-hire training include safety orientation and procedures?  How about on-going communications on safety issues?  Both directions?

Corporate officers lead the safety culture.  Make these inspections in view of employees.  They will engage you if they have proper concerns.  They are a great resource.