The Importance of Small Business Safety and Health Climates During COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study examines employee perceptions of safety and health climates for well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of small businesses.

Methods

We evaluated changes to employees' work and home life resulting from COVID-19 and perceptions of safety and health climates. Cross-sectional relationships were assessed using multivariable linear regression models for a sample of 491 employees from 30 small businesses in Colorado in May 2020.

Results

Employee perceptions of safety and health climates were significantly related to their self-reported well-being during the first wave of COVID-19, even when there were changes to childcare, the ability to work, and limited social contacts.

Conclusion

Safety and health climates may influence employee well-being even when other disruptions occur, suggesting that during emergencies, small businesses with strong climates may be better prepared to maintain employee well-being.

SUBMITTER: Brown CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7864611 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature