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Workplace Well-being is growing in stature and organisations are increasing their engagement in the idea of offering workforce well-being opportunities and employee assistance programmes to respond to the pressures and experiences of staff to help them have a better experience of work. After all we are said to spend 1/3 of our lifetime at work!
Workplace Wellness comes in various forms, for example a "health and well-being strategy" (an action plan that outlines actions of measures to improve employee health/wellness) or organisations may explore the likes of working hours, flexi-time right through to Duvet Days and Therapeutic Interventions such as counselling, coaching & complimentary therapy sessions as part of standard offers for employees.
On the other end of that Employee Assistance programmes are often designed to support staff in times of extreme stress, anxiety, burnout or depression, giving a confidential space for staff.
There are some obvious benefits to putting "employee health and well-being" on your business strategy priorities:
Reduce long term sickness.
Cost Saving Interventions
Improves staff resilience
Here are some additional factors that are worth considering as well :
Innovation - Staff who are happier and healthier have more space in their head for innovation & creativity. This looks like better team work, increased autonomy and great problem -solving and change management capabilities allowing for organisational evolution.
Motivation & Efficiency - Staff who are well and feel valued demonstrate increase motivation and in turn this can support efficiency in the workplace.
Safety - A workplace culture that says "we care about your health and well-being" makes for a safer place to work and thrive. This may also help to reduce "Presenteeism" as staff are value time to recover and be well in work.
Empowered - Staff who are given (and take) the opportunities of a well-being culture are in turn being encouraged to take responsibility and prioritise their well-being. Self-development interventions such as counselling/coaching offer a space to better understand causes of stress/anxiety/resentment and enable staff to resource themselves with the capabilities to manage these situations better.
Diversity - Attract and retain a diverse staff skill set through flexible and tailored initiative.
Reputation - Staff who are happy and well will thrive in the workplace and are likely to improve their work quality & output.
Developing this sort of culture and approach to your workforce does not by mean that you have to go around giving group hugs or have a confessions circle!
Indeed, whilst promoting a safe and open culture is a great way of de-stigmatising mental health, well-being and will promote peoples awareness to prioritise self-care. It is also worth adding that this needs to come with boundaries that support staff needs and confidentiality. This is just one of the benefits to getting support from an external provision to help you shape and develop your workplace aims.
A strategy enables you to be proactive and responsive and not just reactive to peoples health and wellness needs.
Transform you well-being culture from Reactive to Proactive - Some quick wins to improve the health and well-being culture of your organisation.
Develop a Health & Well-being strategy.
Measure it's impact and seek feedback on improvement collaborating with staff.
Introduce learning and well-being spaces over lunch time/breaks - this enables people to take breaks.
Include Mental Health & Well-being Events and Campaigns in your Comms Plans. The NHS Employers website is a great place to gets some ideas for dates/events for your workplace- Link HERE
Write regular blogs or news letters that explore staying well - to learn about how to blog for business check out some fantastic courses by Make Your Copy Count HERE.
Make your workplace welcoming for employees and managers - this doesn't have to cost the earth and you can even get your staff involved in the feedback and implementation. Consider basic stuff like room, temperature, space for calm, space for ideas, space for connection, access to food and drink and comfort.
At JKChangeWork we realise that one size doesn't fit all and that's why we collaborate with other health and well-being providers to ensure our workplace well-being packages meet the needs of your employees and your organisational aims. Embracing diversity and enabling your teams to thrive. To explore how we can assist you and your employees to nurture a healthier culture, motivation and prioritise healthy minds and bodies in your workforce get in touch.
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