The importance of wellbeing at work cannot be understated, both from the perspective of the employer and employees. People who are suffering or struggling emotionally tend to call out sick more frequently. Not only do they feel unwell, but missing days has a direct and discernable impact on business productivity. A Gallup study indicates that 40 percent of workers feel like they are suffering, another 2 percent struggle, and only 30 percent say they are thriving in the workplace.
The study also articulates that even seemingly engaged staff members who are not necessarily thriving in the workplace are 61 percent more likely to burn out. If there’s a silver lining to understanding the problem, it’s that wellbeing programs at work offer solutions.
Obstacles to Improved Health and Wellbeing at Work
Despite the fact that wide-reaching studies demonstrate that wellbeing at work is essential to productivity, company culture, and individual peace of mind, obstacles persist. These are things that need to change before industry leaders can implement positive change.
- Unprofessional Behavior: Approximately 42 percent of employees reportedly feel that supervisors show disrespect for working hours, and 40 percent say their boss ignores the line between being on the clock and personal time.
- Privacy Concerns: More than two-thirds of staff members are reportedly concerned that disclosing mental health issues would damage their professional reputation.
A significant number of workers say that having a mental health day off would positively influence their emotional wellness. In terms of wellbeing at work ideas, a long weekend could reduce the number of sick days struggling team members experience.
How to Improve Health and Wellbeing at Work
There are a variety of ways that employers can improve health and wellbeing at work. The first step typically involves examining the level of enthusiasm and camaraderie that exists. Industry leaders may even want to bring in a third-party organization to make an impartial assessment. Knowing where the pain points are goes a long way to curing them. These are wellbeing at work ideas that have proven effective.
1. Employee Empowerment
If you have a traditional hierarchy workplace structure, it may be useful to re-examine whether it motivates people. Tweaking the managerial style to give employees more autonomy and control tends to spark their motivation. They often feel respected, take greater ownership of projects, and feel better about accomplishing tasks. Companies generally see a marked increase in job satisfaction.
2. Rethink Performance Reviews
Employees generally dread performance reviews, largely because they focus on missteps, absenteeism, and other negatives. Rather than continue down this rabbit hole, Human Resources departments can pivot to more productive conversations. Mix in plenty of positive employee attributes. When it’s time for HR to review a missed deadline, ask how we can work together to improve efficiency next time. Be sure to listen carefully and take notes. People feel respected when they are heard.
3. Consider Work-Life Balance
The Gallup study noted that supervisors ignored the line between people’s work hours and personal lives. Obviously, allowing this type of unprofessional management style needs to be resolved. That being said, flip the script by issuing a company-wide memo that discusses the need to improve work-life balance. Back it up by asking employees not to take work home unless the company is in a pinch. Well-rested people generally feel refreshed and happier and come to work with a more pleasant disposition.
4. Ensure Fair & Equitable Workloads
It’s not unusual for supervisors to heap heavy workloads on team members they believe can handle them. While that may be true, those same dedicated employees are being set up for burnout. Consider taking a step back and assessing how tasks are being distributed. It may not be necessary to parcel workloads out in a precisely equal fashion. When you stop overburdening everyday people by treating them fairly, it helps build trust in company leaders.
5. Start an Employee Health & Wellbeing Program
Integrating formal health and wellbeing programs speaks volumes to an employer’s commitment to investing in a positive work environment. There are organizations that specialize in on-site wellbeing opportunities. These are examples that may provide the stress relief and health benefits your valued staff members deserve.
- Healthy Eating & Dieting Seminars
- Mental & Emotional Health Counseling
- On-Site Fitness Centers
- Pre-Work Yoga & Meditation
- Smoking Cessation Programs
- Step Counting Competitions
- Team-Building Activities
It may be worthwhile to look into offering on-site daycare or flexible hours for people with young children. These and other efforts show hard-working people you care about them as a person.
At Hire Partnership, we work diligently with companies to recruit exceptional people. If you need qualified people, contact us today. Let’s get the process started.
