In today’s fast-paced work environment, many employees find themselves settling into routines that can often lead to complacency.  Complacency can be defined as, doing the same task for so long without incident that you assume nothing will ever happen.  While familiarity with tasks can create a sense of comfort, it can also pose significant risks, especially concerning workplace safety.  It’s crucial to understand how complacency can lead to accidents and what can be done to mitigate these risks. Complacency can affect anyone at any age, regardless of their experience, so it is important to train all employees on how to spot complacency among themselves and other employees.

Let’s take an example of a person who performs a daily safety inspection before production starts.  The purpose of the inspection is to identify any potential safety hazards.  This daily routine occurs for months even years without incident.  But, because “an incident has never occurred”, the employee decides to skip an inspection one day and no injuries resulted.  So, the employee skips another one, then another, and soon inspections are rarely being conducted.     Until something happens.  Skipping important safety steps due to complacency could result in serious injury to the employee or fellow workers.

Usually, the best person to spot complacency is the employee themselves, but complacency can mean they don’t see the dangers right in front of them.  To overcome this, teach employees to spot signs of complacency in their co-workers first.  The more they learn how to recognize these signs in others, the easier it will be to recognize it in themselves.  

Keep an eye out for the following situations that may indicate complacency is setting in:

• Dissatisfaction with work and/or lack of motivation
• Taking short cuts in work processes, safety procedures or inspections
• Increased frequency of near-misses or incidents
• Changes in attitude 
• Noticeable increase or decrease in communication 
• Tardiness for meetings or shifts

Increased employee engagement is a great way to help workers get out of the rut of complacency.  Actions workers can take include:

• Consciously focusing on the task at hand.  
• Identifying distractions when they come up and dismissing them.
• When conducting repetitive tasks, be on the lookout for procedural improvements that can help break up the monotony.
• Understanding the greater purpose of their job, such as the finished product or report, and interacting with team members regularly.  

Identifying and addressing complacency is a team effort.  Not only is it key for employees, but the employer can assist by implementing best practices such as:

• Share the Mission— Remind employees of the company’s purpose and goals so they maintain a connection to the larger missions and emphasize that their behaviors have an impact.
• Minimize Routines—Since repetition is related to complacency, consider job rotation or change up some of the work tasks to add variety to an employee’s job.  Providing differing work tasks can help maintain focus and keep employees from falling into “cruise control” mode.
• Encourage observation of others - Have employees briefly stop work and observe the actions of others as they work.  Observing others raises one’s own awareness, as well as the awareness of their co-workers.
• Correct poor performance - Mentoring programs and coaching can help employees identify and correct poor work practices and potential problems before an injury occurs.
• Conduct safety discussions and tool box talks – Make safety talks part of a daily routine and get employees involved and engaged with team members.
• Share Knowledge – Have employees identify and share the steps they perform to complete a job.  Having another set of eyes or someone else’s ideas may help improve the process.   

Complacency can be a dangerous thing, and everyone is susceptible.  It can lead to underperformance, low job satisfaction, workplace accidents and low morale.  But with a team effort and employee engagement, complacency doesn’t have to run the workplace.

If you would like to know more about Sedgwick’s safety services or would like to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact Andy Sawan at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330.819.4728.

The first Read with a Doc program in June was well received, with dozens of attendees, questions, and active conversation.

Dr. David Sabgir, who founded the successful Walk with a Doc program, launched the new program with his first session at the Westerville Public Library on June 29 in collaboration with the Columbus Medical Association Alliance and the AMA Alliance. Dr. Sabgir discussed tools for living longer and better and the book, “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity,” by Peter Attia, MD. You can view the slides here.

Dr. Sabgir will return to the Westerville Public Library on July 27 with a focus on the power of social connection and the book, “The Connection Cure,” by Julia Holtz. Find more information and register here.

Walk with a Doc, CMA & Affiliates, and the AMA Alliance plan to expand to other libraries. They are always looking for physicians to participate in Read with a Doc and Walk with a Doc. Find out more information and get involve here.

At the Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates (CMAA), we believe learning is more than just a stage in life — it’s a mindset. It doesn’t end when you graduate or put on your white coat. The drive to continue learning lays the foundation for strong leadership, sparks innovation, and bridges generations of healthcare professionals. That’s why this summer, we’ve embraced continuous learning not only as something we provide — but as something we live, grow through, and celebrate together.

In my May message, I shared that our organization had begun a journey to evolve — to remain a vital, trusted partner to our physicians and the broader community. We started by engaging a new public policy partner, who has already provided invaluable insights during these turbulent times. We also partnered with Dr. Mrunal Shah to learn directly from our physician members and ensure your voice is heard. He has held a number of one-on-one and group meetings and shared meaningful feedback. Stay tuned for more opportunities to share your perspective.

On June 30, we kicked off the next phase of this journey with our first visioning session with Just Bloom, an award-winning organization specializing in creativity and leadership development. CMAA staff, physician Board members across the affiliates, as well as community Board participants came together for a thought-provoking workshop designed to expand how we think, lead, and collaborate. These sessions will continue to guide us — using science-backed methods — to unearth a vision that both modernizes and honors our legacy.

That same spirit of lifelong learning was reflected on June 26, as we celebrated 17 physicians graduating from the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA). These individuals dedicated nine months to personal growth, reflection, and peer learning — emerging with tools to lead with intention and compassion. 

Education also drives our work with the next generation. Our Made for Medicine students took their learning on the road in June, embarking on our first-ever HBCU Medical School and College Tour. Fifteen students traveled to Nashville and Atlanta, visiting historically Black colleges, universities, and medical schools — and connecting with professionals who reflected their aspirations. It was more than a tour — it was a transformative experience rooted in representation, access, and belief in their potential.

We continue to be inspired by the CMA Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, a student-led body of 13- to 18-year-olds learning the ins and outs of philanthropy and grantmaking. These young leaders are gaining firsthand experience in how community investment can shape health and equity for years to come.

Our commitment to education and growth extends to medical school. We’re especially excited about our upcoming CMA Medical Student Specialty Fair this October. By polling medical students about their interests and inviting physician members to share their stories and insights, we’re creating a meaningful, two-way exchange that connects curiosity with experience.

Our CMA Practice Managers Group continues to convene for educational sessions that provide real-world value. These gatherings have featured several of our strategic partners in legal and communications — all collaborating to support physician practices across Central Ohio.

While COTS leaders continue to champion life-saving disaster preparedness funding, they also remain focused on what they do best: preparing our emergency responders to act swiftly and save lives. Find out more about their educational offerings here. 

As we continue the essential work of planning for the future of our organization, we never lose sight of the day-to-day value CMA provides: empowering physician, supporting practices, and nurturing growth at every stage.

Learning will remain a constant in everything we do — not just because it prepares us for tomorrow, but because it brings us together today.