Work is one of the proven biggest causes of stress. Long hours, tough targets, high amounts of screen time, and conflicts or strained relationships with colleagues and worries about evaluations from managers, and a poor work-life balance are amongst the factors that can take a mental & physical toll on employees.
Considering the additional stress and anxiety caused by Covid-19, it’s no wonder why employers are trying to find how to improve wellbeing at work for their talent. Yet, a study by mind.org showed that when employees’ mental wellbeing was supported by their employers, 60% of them felt more motivated and likely to recommend their employer. And other studies have shown that it also led to much better employee engagement and the overall performance of organisations.
This blog will provide you with tips to increase wellbeing of your teams.
Create a Desirable Environment
Don’t underestimate the impact a person’s work environment can have on their happiness, wellbeing and by extension, their productivity. Be sure to consider your workplace aesthetic and provide a comfortable, collaborative space for your employees. An office space that is bright with natural lighting and vibrant colours are a great way to reduce fatigue and stress. Instead, uplifting people’s minds, mood and ability to focus.
Promote Fitness & Exercise
Physical exercise significantly contributes to overall wellbeing. One way of supporting your team to get more exercise is by encouraging them to get active together. At Thrive, one of our team members is an expert in doing kettlebell exercises and teaches weekly classes to the team, who can join online or in-person! It also makes a great way to cultivate team culture and belonging.
Reward Your Teams
Create a reward scheme to show appreciation to your team. Giving employees rewards and incentives lets them know their work is valued and is shown to increase employee retention.
Multiple Touchpoints for Employee Support
Because not everyone necessarily finds it easy to open up and share with their managers or colleagues, it’s important for there to be the right type of support in place for them. Think about implementing an employee support scheme, whether it be counselling services that people can take up whilst at work or at home.
Introduce Mindfulness
The idea of mindfulness may elicit many reactions but in recent years, it’s become incredibly popular. It’s a form of meditation that involves paying attention to your breathing, and focusing on the present moment. It’s been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and even help to relieve pain.
You can make it accessible by arranging 10 minute sessions for employees. Or, simply giving them resources so they can learn how to do it themselves and use it when handling a difficult situation, or any mental or physical challenges.
Encourage Desk Breaks…
Spending all day at a desk can make people feel uninspired, bored and feel a sense of being trapped. Remind employees that they’re welcome – and advised – to give themselves breaks. It can be very helpful if they’re trying to solve a problem, are feeling drained, or want to look after their wellbeing whilst staying productive. If they’re in the office, that might mean going to the kitchen to have to together if in the office, popping out for a short walk and breath of fresh air.
… And Time Off
Though employees know they’re contractually allowed to have time off, people can feel under pressure to show their dedication by working as much as possible. A busy work environment may also make it feel like it’s difficult to step away. Reassure your employees so they feel comfortable taking time off. A week away from work can help them to reset, refresh, and return to work with more energy.
Create a Culture of Open Communication
One of the reasons why people can end up suffering in silence with their mental health without adequate care and support is because they don’t feel like it’s a topic they can or should discuss. Let employees know that they’re invited to share what’s happening to them and that there’s no stigma around mental health.
Provide Flexible Working Arrangements
Hybrid working is a big topic for organisations right now. In your planning of what that will look like for your teams, allow them to be involved in the decision-making around what their working hours will look like. For example, if a parent needs to be available to do a school run or check in on an elderly relative from time to time during the day, make sure they feel they have the freedom to do this. Flexibility can go a great way to help individuals create the work-life balance they need to have increased wellbeing and happiness at work.
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