How can you encourage employees to take breaks and manage stress?

Role modelling healthy behaviours from key leaders in a company can help employees feel that they have the 'permission' to prioritise their own wellbeing. Reducing meetings from 30 minutes to 25 minutes or from 60 minutes to 50 minutes to allow for a wellbeing break can help show the importance of taking regular breaks during the day.

Encouraging people to maintain a work-life balance. I strongly discourage my team to look at emails outside of work time or on annual leave, and I try to follow my own advice to set a good example. I start team meetings with a check-in to encourage people to share how they are feeling and create a culture of openness and support.

I often tell try to maintain a work-life balance by having a strong morning and evening routine. My morning routine allows me to prepare for the day ahead while giving myself the time to be present in my own personal activities, such as exercising or reading a book. My evening routine typically happens as my workday ends. This is a time for me to set myself up for success for the next day. Overall, routines help me allocate specific blocks of time for work, personal activities, relaxation, and family. This ensures that you have dedicated time for both work-related tasks and personal activities, making it easier to balance the two.

Communication is essential for any successful workplace. It fosters trust, aligns teams with goals, and empowers individuals. Regular feedback and open channels resolve conflicts seamlessly and ensure smooth transitions during changes. I often nurture a culture of clear communication to amplify engagement, boost morale, and enhance productivity.

We regularly talk about "playing the long game" and to do that we need to build a working schedule that is sustainable. However, each person's schedule and demands on their time and energy is unique to them. We offer flexibility and autonomy to our team so they can design their own schedule - because they know best what will help them succeed. We want our employees to be their best selves for their families and for the workplace.

Providing In-Office Chair Massage is definitely a great way to go here. It should be viewed not as merely a perk or reward, but as an investment in employee health and well-being that pays off in increased morale, loyalty, and productivity. Find a therapist who can work with you to set up a mutually beneficial pricing plan that provides massage on a regular basis whether it's weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on your needs and budget.

I often hear that people don’t have the time to attend counselling or don’t feel able to approach a counsellor. Employers can provide a variety of tools to enable people to access support that is relevant to them. Many organisations I work with have found that when their employees have access to a library of self- hypnosis therapy, which they can access in their own time to address their particular issue, people are better able to manage stress and are more motivated and productive.

Tailor recognition to each employee’s preferences. Some may appreciate public acknowledgment, while others might prefer a private note. Organize team-wide celebrations for achieving major milestones. This reinforces the sense of community and shared success. Highlight outstanding contributions regularly through an Employee of the Month program. Offer small, spontaneous bonuses for exceptional work. It’s a tangible way to show appreciation. Invest in their growth by providing opportunities for learning and career advancement. This shows that you value their long-term contributions.

Asking and listening to employees is fundamental for a supportive work environment. Here are a few methods to make this process more effective: Regularly conduct anonymous surveys and polls to gather honest feedback from your team. Place virtual suggestion boxes where employees can share ideas and concerns anytime. Encourage an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable approaching management with their issues and ideas. Create small focus groups to dive deeper into specific topics and gather detailed feedback. Schedule regular meetings dedicated solely to gathering and discussing feedback.

Creating a culture of wellbeing in the workplace can encourage employees to feel empowered to take care of their individual health and wellness.

Enabling people to access self-directed therapy empowers them and gives them tools to manage stress whenever they need them.