2024-04-20 17:59:53
Article
In Ecuador, The adequate employment rate was 34 points. at the beginning of this year, without showing improvement compared to 2023, according to official INEC figures. That is, the number of Ecuadorians with formal work remains low. Apparently, in the 21st century, Very few in the country enjoy the benefits of a position that guarantees true conditions of well-being and occupational health.
On the other hand, for the Chamber of Industries and Production, 9 out of 10 young employees do not have social security. Added to this is that 5 out of every 10 young people who study and work at the same time do so in informal conditions. “Here the role of the employer is crucial, because it will be up to them to work to reduce these gaps, with the promotion of comprehensive workplace well-being programs, putting the health of their collaborators as a priority”emphasizes Johanna Bustamante, health and safety coordinator at Adecco Ecuador.
What are the basic requirements that a company must meet to hire a new worker?
- Affiliation with the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS): The law provides that any person who is hired in a company must be affiliated from the first day of work and must be processed within 15 days of starting work.
- Work contract: The worker must sign the agreement where he agrees to provide his services, under a dependency relationship, with the value of the remuneration he will receive, work hours, as well as his benefits and obligations. In addition, he must state what his functions and tasks will be.
- Job evaluation: After the basic regulations and compliance with the entire procedure, the employer must ensure that the worker has an adequate work environment, evaluating possible risks that they could suffer while carrying out their tasks. “For example, currently, modalities such as hybrid or remote work have been booming around the world, however, whatever the modality, the workspace must be adequate, have basic needs such as a chair ergonomic for working, a desk, avoiding back pain or physical discomfort, also contemplating active breaks. The work environment must prioritize the health of the collaborator and not violate it.” details the specialist.
- Create a Profesiogram: It is the document where the employer defines the job, including all the activities, details, capabilities and aptitudes of the position, both physical and psychological. It is everything related to the job itself, it means that there must be a medical evaluation of the person, see if they are suitable for that position and take measures against that.
- Develop Workplace Wellbeing Programs: The company must lead these types of programs, through talks and training activities, as well as recreation that contribute to the quality of life of its employees. Topics such as workplace discrimination, gender policies, preventive measures in alcohol or drug consumption, among other programs, must be part of the organizational culture. “In 2008, there was a change in labor regulations in Ecuador, including obligations and protections for the worker in terms of health and well-being, not only with monetary benefits, valuing emotional bonuses”says Johanna.
- Have an Emergency Plan: Establishing steps to follow so that the worker knows how to act in an emergency or crisis situation (flood, earthquake, eruption of a volcano, or any type of threat). “For this there must be a protocol and regulations, employees must be trained in first aid, use of fire extinguishers, evacuation, etc.”, explains the expert.
- Occupational Checkup: The employer has the responsibility of carrying out an annual medical check-up on the worker, ensuring that the person is in optimal health conditions, as well as when they entered the company. If you fail to comply with these, the company may receive a fine from the Ministry of Labor, which may include up to 20 basic salaries.
What are the most common risks that workers can suffer?
- Diseases such as diabetes and obesity They are the most reported in our country according to the specialist, due to poor diet and lack of physical activity. “Many people no longer move and stay at home doing teleworking. It is very important that a worker cares about his personal life and takes the necessary time to care for him, disconnection from work is basic to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
- Mental diseasessuch as depression and anxiety, caused by work overload, the need to carry out all activities, immediacy produces stress and can be the trigger for diseases that worsen over time.
What can the worker do to improve their working condition?
Knowledge and information are powerful tools to face any type of situation or crisis at work. “It is very easy to actively participate in the Occupational Safety System, this will allow you to demand more from the company, be self-taught and investigate. In addition, it will provide you with the necessary tools regarding the regulations. I highly recommend the YouTube channel of the Ministry of Labor, it is free and workers can access it, you only need to dedicate a few minutes to it and inform yourself.”, complements the expert.
Additionally, it is important that the worker stay up to date with the knowledge and techniques inherent to his or her position or position, with the aim of increasing the possibilities of vertical or horizontal growth in the company.
Employers can also rely on the advice of experts such as Adecco, to keep well-being plans and standards up to date, with the aim of improving the loyalty of their collaborators, improving their employer brand and at the same time complying with what the law requires.