Looking after the health and wellbeing of your employees is one of the most important things you can do to look after the health of your business. 85% of respondents in a global study by Harvard Business Review said that their wellbeing has declined since the Covid pandemic. This is a staggeringly high figure: we have four evidence-backed strategies to improve the wellbeing in your workplace that includes more than just gym memberships and free breakfasts.
Right now, 1 in 6 workers are dealing with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or stress - which will ultimately affect their productivity and thus the success of the organisation. Smart employers support employees who are experiencing mental health problems to cope and recover. By setting up a support system within the organisation, you are clearly demonstrating that the wellbeing of employees matters to the organisation, and people will be less hesitant to open up and talk about the issues they are facing.
There are many services that can be offered, such as counselling, helplines, and workshops. Holding regular training sessions or talks about this will further increase awareness and encourage people to take advantage.
A workplace culture that is grounded in respect, support, and fosters a sense of belonging will undoubtedly enhance employee engagement. Research shows that 61% of employees leave their job due to poor workplace culture. Since the pandemic, priorities have shifted from money, status and power to things like wellbeing, sustainability and purpose. Ensuring that the culture of the business supports these changing perspectives will attract and retain the better talent.
Striking a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life is pivotal for employee satisfaction and overall wellbeing. This isn't to say that employees should have as much vacation as they want; in actual fact, if the workspace itself supports a more flexible working style, employees will be able to balance their time more effectively, as well as feeling supported by the organisation. This can be done by, for example, providing spaces for extra-curricular activities such as a gym, pet-friendly areas, or organising after-work fitness classes, as well as having a range of flexible workstations (such as private calling pods, quality breakout areas, and social spaces) that will support the needs of both private and professional lives.
As much as this can seem basic, physical health directly impacts employee morale and job satisfaction. By prioritising this as an organisation can reduce healthcare costs per employee by 41% (Forbes). Initiatives such as setting on cycle-to-work schemes, providing sufficient end-of-trip facilities, and offering free healthy food options can go far in supporting employees in maintaining good fitness levels.
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The key is to ensure there is a supportive culture and regular communication about wellbeing. By showing that the organisation holds it as highly important, employees will more likely feel invested in and thus be more productive and happy, leading to long-term prosperity of both the individuals and the organisation as a whole.
