A study from Deloitte shows that 91% of employees have goals for their wellbeing and it’s a priority for 75% of employees. This means that promoting employee wellbeing in today’s demanding work environment is crucial for both employers and employees. A healthy workplace, both physically and mentally, not only promotes a positive work culture but also enhances productivity and efficiency.
So, how can you promote wellbeing? Below are 8 practical ways to make your workplace more productive and healthier for your employees.
Identify What’s Stressing Out Employees
The key to improving the mental health of employees is to first identify the problem that’s stressing them out. There can be multiple stress triggers and solving them can promote a positive work culture. For instance, if the office lights are creating eye strain, updating them to softer, calmer ones can make a difference. Likewise, if some workers are introverts and enjoy working in peace, you can provide them space to work in peace. Long working hours, poor management, workplace harassment, and heavy workloads are some other reasons that may lead to stress.
Create a Supportive Work Environment
A supportive workplace is the cornerstone for employee wellbeing. Make sure that your employees feel valued, respected, and supported in the workplace. Give them a sense of control, be open when communicating with them, and clearly address any concerns they might have. Giving employees a sense of inclusion and belonging can significantly promote their mental and emotional health.
Recognize Employees for Their Efforts
Humans are hungry for appreciation, and this is quite true for the workplace. Money might not always be the top factor for job satisfaction; a study from Office Team shows that 66% of employees expressed they would likely quit a job if they felt unappreciated. So, what does this mean? Appreciation at the workplace matters. And it doesn’t have to be complicated; you can appreciate them in the form of awards, promotions, paid holidays, bonuses, and more. You can even make them happy with unique, motivational names of awards for excellence, such as Rising Star, Unmatched Dedication, Most Improved Performer, and more.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Today’s employees prefer work-life balance. Especially after the COVID-19 outburst when working from home became a norm, they became more aware of remote and hybrid work culture and its benefits. So, acknowledge the importance of work-life balance by offering flexible working hours and remote work options. Discourage a culture of overworking and reward employees for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This flexibility can not only prevent burnout and reduce stress levels but also enhance productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction.
Prioritize Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial element of overall wellbeing. Employers should actively promote mental health awareness and provide resources such as counseling services and access to mental health professionals. You can also arrange stress management workshops or mental health mentorship programs during office working hours to create a supportive environment. These can include fitness courses, relaxation exercises, and healthy communication coaching. Moreover, encourage open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma.
Recharge Employees with Fun Activities
Routine office work can lead to burnout and boredom in employees. One of the best ways to let them unwind is by arranging some fun activities during office hours. This may include celebrating special occasions like birthdays and work anniversaries to recharge your employees and improve their job satisfaction. Having a dedicated day for some sort of sports or fun activity is also a great idea to let employees feel more connected at the workplace. You can think of a number of ways to boost the happiness levels and feel-good hormones of employees. The thing is to create a healthy, balanced environment where everyone is willing to be a part of the community outside their routine work.
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness at the workplace is one of the best ways to deal with stress and burnout while also improving your self-awareness. Mindfulness simply means being fully aware of the present—focusing on the present moment and accepting it without any judgments. Being an employer, you can encourage mindfulness at work to let employees connect with their present and feel the moment. You can do this by encouraging mindfulness breathing, introducing a 10-minute meditation break, or teaching employees how to make their work meaningful. It is an affordable yet efficient way to promote the mental and emotional wellbeing of employees.
Encourage Physical Wellbeing
Physical health directly impacts an employee’s overall wellbeing. You can promote healthy habits at the workplace by providing wellness programs, gym facilities, or fitness classes. Encouraging regular breaks and getting your employees to move during their work hours can not only reduce their stress levels but also improve overall health.
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