Employee wellness is a critical factor in maintaining a thriving and productive workforce. It is the responsibility of employers to create a supportive and healthy environment that promotes the well-being of their employees.
A recent Health and Wellbeing at work report by the CIPD revealed that a third of organisations (33%) have increased their budget for wellbeing benefits as a consequence of the pandemic.
However, it is important to remember that while trendy perks and superficial programmes might seem appealing, genuine improvement in employee wellness requires a thoughtful and holistic approach.
That’s why the team at Business Name Generator has highlighted eight effective strategies to genuinely enhance employee wellness in your company.
- Foster a Positive Organisational Culture
A positive and inclusive company culture lays the foundation for employee wellness. It starts from the top, with leaders and managers setting the tone for respect, empathy, and open communication. Encourage teamwork and collaboration, recognise and celebrate achievements, and ensure that all employees are treated fairly. A positive culture helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and burnout, and fosters a sense of belonging among employees.
- Prioritise Work-Life Balance
Support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Encourage flexible working hours, remote work options, and the proper allocation of annual leave days. Discourage a culture of overworking and promote taking breaks during the workday.
This is particularly important, as research suggests that ‘presenteeism’ (working when ill) remains prevalent in companies with 65% of HR professionals reporting this issue among staff working from home. Over the last few years, there has been a steady increase in the proportion of organisations that are taking steps to discourage presenteeism (53%).
By prioritising work-life balance and encouraging staff to take time off when they are sick, companies can reduce the risk of employee burnout, improve productivity, and foster loyalty.
- Offer Comprehensive Wellness Programs
Develop and implement comprehensive wellness programs that cater to the diverse needs of your workforce. Consider initiatives such as stress management workshops, mental health counselling, fitness classes, nutrition education, and ergonomic workspace evaluations. Encourage participation by making these programs easily accessible and offering incentives for employees to engage actively.
In fact, recent research has shown that 81% of companies are putting a bigger focus on looking after employees’ mental health, as well as offering a flexible approach to making workplace adjustments (55%), and implementing an increased employee wellbeing support programme (52%).
- Provide Opportunities for Skill Development
Investing in employee growth and development enhances their sense of fulfilment and overall well-being. Offering training and upskilling opportunities to employees, helps them improve their skills and advance their careers. Providing a clear path for professional development not only boosts job satisfaction, but also strengthens the company by retaining talent.
- Communicate Openly about Mental Health
Promote open discussions about mental health in the workplace. Break the stigma surrounding mental health issues by creating a safe and judgement-free environment for employees to talk about their challenges. Train managers to recognise signs of distress and offer support to those in need. Consider partnering with mental health organisations to provide resources and guidance.
- Encourage Regular Physical Activity
Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being. According to recent research, healthy employees are 59% more likely to be engaged at work. Therefore, encouraging regular physical activity by offering gym memberships, fitness classes, or organising company-wide wellness challenges can be a perfect way to improve the overall morale of employees. Additionally, promote active commuting, such as biking or walking to work, and encourage short physical breaks during the workday.
- Improve Workload Management
Ensure that workloads are reasonable and evenly distributed among team members. Excessive work pressure and unrealistic expectations can negatively impact employee well-being. Regularly assess workload distribution and make necessary adjustments to prevent stress and burnout.
- Emphasise Work Appreciation
Recognise and appreciate the hard work and contributions of your employees regularly. A simple thank-you note, public acknowledgment, or rewards for outstanding performance can go a long way in boosting employee morale and well-being.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
