Simple Steps To Optimize Employee Well-Being

Employees today are looking for more than an attractive salary and a generous benefits package. Work-life balance and well-being have become increasingly important. For business owners, it’s hugely beneficial to prioritize employee health and to be proactive in nourishing well-being. In this informative guide, we’ll share some simple steps you can take to make a positive difference.

Make your employees feel valued

Not feeling valued is one of the most common reasons employees choose to leave their jobs. The average worker spends 36 hours per week at work. When you put a lot of time and effort into your job, it’s natural to want to feel valued. If you never get any feedback, you’ve been on the same wage for years, and you can’t remember the last time your boss gave you a compliment, you may start to question your worth and explore different opportunities. Employees are likely to work harder and put in more effort and endeavor if their employer recognizes their achievements and commitment. If you run a business, go the extra mile to show your team that you appreciate them and that you’re grateful for everything they do for you. Give your employees feedback, reward accomplishments, and celebrate milestones, awards or progress together. 

Monitor workloads carefully

Levels of stress are at an all-time high. A recent survey suggests that over 80% of Americans are stressed about work. One of the most common reasons people experience stress at work is their workload. If your employees are working long hours every day, or they are expected to do jobs that are not in their job description, they may be prone to stress and burnout. 

Monitor workloads carefully and take action if your team is working too much or they need additional help. If you have receptionists who are trying to run marketing campaigns or manage payroll accounting, or your sales assistants are handling calls or spending hours after work cleaning, consider your options. You could hire extra members of staff, increase part-time hours for those who would like to work more or explore outsourcing. Outsourcing is an excellent option if you want to plug skills gaps or free up time for your employees without recruiting new staff members on a permanent basis. As an employer, you should have realistic expectations of your employees. 

Aim to prioritize flexibility

One lesson that has emerged from the pandemic is the benefits of being more flexible as an employer. Many employees worked from home during lockdowns. While some are glad to be back at the office, many would prefer to stay at home or adopt a hybrid model. The majority of employers can be more flexible now thanks to technology. Speak to your employees, collect ideas and feedback and ask questions. If flexibility is a priority for your workforce, explore possibilities like combining working from home with office-based days, or providing communal spaces like hot-desking facilities that enable your business to operate remotely while maintaining strong team relationships. Being flexible can help employees to achieve a healthier work-life balance, particularly those who have children or other commitments, such as caring for relatives. 

Encourage development

Many of us start a new job with career ambitions and aspirations, which involve taking on more responsibility or learning new skills. If you run a business, it’s beneficial to encourage development and try to provide your team with opportunities. Your company will benefit from skilled, motivated, productive, and enthusiastic workers and your employees will want to move through the ranks at your company. Provide training, communicate with your team to get an insight into the kinds of opportunities they’re looking for, and consider internal recruitment and promotions. Upskilling can save you time and money and help you boost employee retention rates. It can also make your business more attractive to top talent if you’re adding to your team. 

Promote open conversation about health

Communication plays a key role in workplace health and well-being and in establishing positive relationships. Every employee should feel that they have a voice and a platform to share ideas, thoughts, concerns, or opinions. If you manage a team, organize regular meetings, let everyone speak, and make sure you listen. Giving people the opportunity to talk and listen to them can be hugely beneficial in every scenario, but it’s particularly helpful to open up conversations about health and well-being. Mental health issues have become increasingly commonplace in the last ten years, yet most people are still reluctant to talk about them. We tend to shy away from speaking about how we feel, and we don’t feel comfortable sharing symptoms or diagnoses with colleagues or bosses as we do with physical health problems. As the leader, you can help to break down barriers and encourage your employees to be more open by championing conversation and ensuring your employees get the help and support they need. 

Prioritizing mental health is helpful for everyone. We all have mental health and there are steps we can take to lower risks and prevent disorders. These include managing stress, exercising regularly, taking time to relax and enjoy ourselves, and getting enough rest. Consider implementing guidelines or policies that promote good health and address risks and warning signs. Some offices have cut-off points for calls, emails, and meetings, some offer perks like massages, some have team days and fun activities, and some run wellness programs. Talk to your team to get ideas and see what other companies are doing. 

Healthy, happy employees are productive, motivated, and enthusiastic.

As an employer, there are many benefits of enhancing employee well-being and taking good care of your team. Ensure that every employee feels valued and respected, communicate with your employees, and make sure you have realistic expectations. Try to be flexible, reward hard work and achievements, and encourage development. Promote open conversation about physical and mental health. Talk to your employees, listen to them and explore ways to help and support them. Address common health issues and problems, champion healthy lifestyles, and give everyone the time and space to speak and share ideas and thoughts.