How to Deliver a Better Employee Wellbeing Programme
Looking after employees’ wellbeing is one of the most important investments a company can make.
Having a motivated and loyal workforce improves productivity and means staff will passionately fly the flag for a business, whether they are part of the sales team, deal with suppliers and partners, or are handle complaints from customers. Ultimately, they want nothing but the best for the business and put 100% into everything they do.
Individual needs
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to looking after staff wellbeing which is why it is the best managers who are able to get the best out of their staff, both individually, and as a team. There are also many strands involved in wellbeing and while having one or two in place is all that is needed for some staff, others may need the full package in order to feel the same about their wellbeing. It comes down to an individual’s circumstances, as well as their ambition and goals.
Wellbeing is not something that can be achieved in the workplace alone – it needs to include the whole individual, both in and out of work and the key wellbeing pillars that need to be addressed are mental, physical, financial and social. And, post-pandemic, employers need to recognise the different approaches needed to look after staff who work from home, those in the office, and those who spend their time between the two.
Mental wellbeing
We are all far more aware of the importance of good mental health, for ourselves, as well as others. Whether they are working from home or in the office, staff who are suffering with poor mental health are less productive than those who are settled content. Stress and anxiety are responsible for staff taking increasing sick days and it isn’t something that will go away. Issues need to be identified and addressed.
Physical wellbeing
When anyone is injured or under the weather, they cannot perform at their best. This is why it is important to stay fit and healthy, which, in turn, helps them be at their best for performing tasks at work. This helps boost their mental health by helping them enjoy what they are doing and feeling good about themselves. Physical wellbeing is particularly important for those that work from home and aren’t as active as they would be if they were in an office. As well as giving staff everything they need to carry out their duties for work, it is also important that they are encouraged to take part in wellbeing activities, such as cooking classes, help to stop smoking and drinking, as well as fitness and meditation.
Financial wellbeing
As with physical health, financial stability has a huge impact on mental health. Salaries should reflect a worker’s roles and responsibilities and if they feel they are not being treated fairly, their performance will suffer, or they will move somewhere they feel adequately rewarded for their efforts. Staff who are worried about how they can make ends meet will not be able to perform at their best and may need time off to deal with stress. Firms can help create financial stability by offering health benefit packages for staff, vouchers and pensions to help them feel more secure about their future and show that their employer cares.
Social wellbeing
Social distancing highlighted the problem of loneliness and isolation which are bad for mental health, as well as general wellbeing and productivity. Hosting social events helps bring staff back together again in a way that doesn’t trigger social anxiety. But it is also worth remembering that some people might now feel happier away from large offices and big groups of people. If companies are happy to let them continue to work from home, they should make sure that they remain in regular contact and do not feel as if they have been forgotten.
Ultimately, a happy and stable workforce has the motivation and determination to perform better than staff who are unhappy and unsettled.
By helping staff feel satisfied with their job and actually enjoy it goes a long way towards giving them the balance they need.
