7 Essentials for Enhancing Workplace Wellbeing

Riding the Rollercoaster of Workplace Wellbeing 

In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, employee wellbeing has become a critical factor in achieving organisational success. Enhancing workplace wellbeing not only boosts productivity and reduces absenteeism, but also fosters a positive company culture. In this blog, we will discuss 7 actionable strategies that you as an employer can implement to enhance the well-being of your employees.
 

What the Hell is Workplace Wellbeing?

Before we begin, let's talk about what workplace well-being is and why it's important. Workplace wellbeing encompasses the holistic health of employees, including their physical, mental, financial and social state while at work. It's about creating an environment where employees feel supported and valued, which in turn enables them to perform better, build stronger relationships, manage their workload effectively, and unleash their creativity. Effective workplace wellbeing strategies consider various aspects of an employee’s life, both within and outside of work, ensuring a balanced approach to overall health and happiness.

Why is Workplace Wellbeing so Important?…and why do some companies not get it?!

The importance of workplace wellbeing cannot be overstated. Investing in the health and happiness of staff brings numerous benefits to organisations. Companies that prioritise employee wellbeing often see their employees:

●    Pulling out all the stops.
●    Thinking twice before making a switch.
●    Happy to go to work on Monday.

These benefits highlight the significant return on investment that comes from nurturing a healthy, engaged workforce. Today's employees seek more than just a paycheck; they desire a work environment that supports their mental and physical health, fosters a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for personal growth. By addressing these needs, organisations can create a resilient workforce capable of navigating challenges and driving sustained success.

1. Create a Place Where Employees Want to Be 

Creating a positive work environment is fundamental to employee wellbeing. 

Encourage open communication and collaboration among team members by establishing clear and accessible channels for employees to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regularly schedule one-on-one meetings, team huddles, and feedback sessions to ensure that communication flows smoothly in all directions. Implement policies that promote respect, inclusivity, and diversity. Setting the tone for a positive workplace culture is crucial, and it's essential to lead by example to cultivate a supportive atmosphere. Leaders should model the behaviours they wish to see. Demonstrate respect, empathy, and transparency in all interactions. By actively supporting and valuing employees, leaders set a positive example and cultivate a supportive workplace culture. 

Google encourages open communication through regular town hall meetings and feedback platforms, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and supported. Source 
 

2. Promote Life-Work Balance 

The days of your work being your identity and everything fitting around it are gone. 
Life-Work balance is crucial for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Organisations can take several steps to promote a healthy balance between work and personal life. One effective approach is to offer flexible working hours and remote work options, allowing employees to better accommodate their personal needs and family commitments. By enabling employees to design their work schedules around their lives, companies can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress levels.
Encouraging employees to take regular breaks throughout the day is also vital. Short breaks can help maintain productivity and prevent burnout. Additionally, ensure that employees fully utilise their holiday entitlement. Taking time off is essential for mental and physical rejuvenation, yet many employees feel pressured to remain available even during their holidays. Create a culture that respects personal time and discourages after-hours work communications.
Microsoft promotes life-work balance with flexible working hours and mandatory "no meeting" days, ensuring employees take regular breaks and vacations. Source
 

3. Provide Tools and Resources

Equip your employees with tools and resources to support their wellbeing. 

Unmind, SleepIO and Calm are some of the many excellent examples as well as Beam which helps employees analyse their data and feelings to pinpoint emotional triggers and behaviour patterns. By understanding these patterns, employees can take proactive steps to reduce stress and improve resilience. Additionally, offer other resources like productivity tools, wellness programmes, and stress management workshops. 

Salesforce launched Camp Pono, a virtual destination with resources like Camp Pono Kitchen for healthy cooking demos and Camp Pono Studio for desk stretches and yoga sessions, making it easy for employees to engage in wellbeing activities. Source

4. Encourage Movement Throughout the Day

We’re not just talking about 5-a-side…

Physical activity is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Set up workplace fitness challenges or group activities to motivate employees. Provide gym memberships or on-site fitness facilities to make it easier for employees to stay active. Encourage movement throughout the day by promoting walking meetings, standing desks, or stretching breaks.

SAP offers comprehensive employee wellbeing programs, including on-site medical services, fitness centers, and mental health support resources globally. These initiatives have led to a reduction in sick days, a 21% increase in productivity, and higher levels of job satisfaction among employees. Source 

5. 15 Minutes of Fame Turns Into 15 Months of Loyalty!

Recognition and rewards can significantly boost employee morale and motivation. 

Implement a recognition programme to celebrate employee achievements and milestones. Offer meaningful rewards that cater to individual preferences, whether it's a bonus, a gift card, or extra time off. Provide regular feedback and create opportunities for career development to keep employees engaged and motivated.

Workhuman’s recognition program has transformed fleeting moments of recognition into lasting loyalty, highlighting the importance of acknowledging employee achievements.

6. Whatever the Industry, Work is Ultimately About the People

Social connections at work are crucial for emotional wellbeing. 

Organise team-building activities and social events to strengthen bonds among employees. Create spaces where employees can interact and relax, such as lounges or break rooms. Encourage peer support and collaboration through group projects and initiatives to foster a sense of community.

Zappos organises "Recess Tuesdays," where employees can engage in outdoor activities and team sports, fostering camaraderie and a fun work environment. Source
 

7. Gather Feedback and Continuously Improve

Regular feedback is essential for refining wellbeing strategies. 

Conduct regular surveys to gather employee feedback on wellbeing initiatives. Use data to identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly. Implement changes based on feedback and continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your well-being programmes to ensure they meet employees' needs. And remember, if you can't measure it, you can’t change it!

Zappos frequently conducts employee surveys to assess satisfaction, engagement, and identify areas for improvement. Source
 

Steadying the Ride

Prioritising employee wellbeing is not just a trend but a necessity for a thriving workplace. By implementing these seven strategies, managers can create a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment that will enhance employees' wellbeing. Tools like Beam can play a significant role in supporting these initiatives by providing insights into emotional triggers and behaviour patterns, helping to reduce stress and boost resilience.

How Can Beam Help?

To learn more about how Beam can help your organisation enhance workplace wellbeing, visit Beam's website. Contact us for further assistance in implementing effective well-being strategies in your workplace.