Workplace wellbeing is the general mental and physical health of those in the workplace. It’s improved through activities and policies which support and promote healthy workplace behaviour, and can save businesses time and money. But where do you begin on making positive changes to your team’s wellbeing?
Educate | educating employees on healthy habits – mentally and physically – can go hand-in-hand with more productive and health-conscious teams. Poor mental health can make people feel sad or anxious, while poor physical health can cause muscular tension and release hormones that weaken the immune system. Short accessible seminars on a variety of subjects can be a great start in showing employees why and how they should improve their wellbeing habits, as well as to show them that they are valued.
Endorse | healthy diets ward off more serious physical health problems such as obesity and heart conditions, and eating a balanced diet is vital for improving day-to-day health. Introducing healthier options in the staff canteen, or providing healthy (but still tasty, of course) options at functions or meetings are a great way to implement healthy eating habits.
Encourage | exercise can improve our overall health and wellbeing, and is proven to release feel-good hormones. Some forms of exercise, such as yoga, can also relieve mental and physical tension which can accumulate through everyday stress. But as an employer, you have to reap what you sow in order to benefit as a result of a more active and healthier workforce. You can make the first step in positively shaping your business as a great place to work by hosting walking meetings (some leaders say this is the best way to get ideas and inspiration), offering a discounted gym membership incentive, or installing secure bike shelter.
Emphasise | poor mental health is a major financial cost to UK businesses. Often underrated in the workplace, improving your team’s mental wellbeing helps to reduce absenteeism and improves productivity and motivation. Investing in training so that team leaders and HR managers can spot the signs of a mental health issue in the workplace can enable them to secure vital support and help.
Entice | providing employees with the information on the benefits of looking after their health and wellbeing sometimes might not be enough for them to make changes. Providing incentives can entice them to start adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as the abovementioned gym membership, or team-building-come-healthy-exercise classes for everyone to enjoy.
By Katie Buckingham at Altruist Enterprises.