The impact of the workplace on our physical and mental health is undeniable. It’s all too common to hear about exhausting commutes causing stress or poor working conditions leading to illness.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are simple steps leaders can take to motivate themselves and those around them as well as enhance wellbeing and productivity.
Workplace wellbeing is one of the major concerns of managers and company leaders, but how do you manage staff wellbeing without losing productivity?
Here are 15 ways to boost workplace wellbeing.
1. Encourage employees to have fun.
Employees become more productive if they can unwind after busy days at work. Encouraging staff members to go for a drink after work or giving them time out of the office to pursue personal interests reduces stress and builds rapport between colleagues. It also has the knock-on effect of improving morale which is essential for motivation.
2. Recognize the importance of good ergonomics
Employees who work in poorly set out, uncomfortable and hazardous environments are likely to suffer ill health. Ergonomic assessments identify the source of any pain or discomfort experienced by employees and can create customized solutions. In addition, healthier employees are more productive.
3. Show appreciation for all staff contributions.
A supportive working environment requires recognition for all achievements, no matter how small. Try implementing a ‘thank you’ scheme where workers receive perks and incentives every time they achieve something worthwhile at work, whether it be finishing an important project on time or helping out a colleague with increased responsibility. This positive reinforcement will boost morale and productivity while simultaneously making colleagues feel valued.
4. Encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Breakfast meetings, lunch events, and after-work drinks all help maintain informal relations between colleagues, and they also create opportunities to promote good health without being too pushy about it. Moreover, being in groups, employees are more likely to participate in initiatives that encourage healthy eating and exercise.
5. Provide adequate training for managers.
Managers are responsible for helping staff feel motivated and productive while also maintaining an appropriate work-life balance. This is why company leaders should ensure that all managers have the necessary skills required to manage effectively. Regular training courses can help them to learn how to motivate their employees. At the same time, maintain productivity levels throughout the whole team and not just those they directly manage.
6. Improve communication between managers and employees.
Improved communication within a business leads to clarity in objectives, which reduces stress levels among workers who feel like they know what is expected of them. One way to boost wellbeing is by facilitating regular one-to-ones where each employee discusses their current activities and future goals. If managers are kept in the loop about what their team members are working on, they will be able to provide feedback and guidance where it’s needed.
7. Provide opportunities for training and development.
Ensuring employees have opportunities to learn new skills, whether that be from an internal or external source, helps them develop personally. At the same time, it helps build upon their pre-existing knowledge. The more skills staff have under their belt, the more value they bring to a business, leading to increased productivity and better wellbeing.
8. Consider developing a wellness program.
Managers and company leaders should also find ways to enhance company wellness programs to aid in the betterment of workplace wellbeing. For example, many companies implement comprehensive health programs wherein all employees receive regular medical checkups throughout the year along with discounts for a gym membership.
9. Recognize that wellbeing is not just about physical wellness.
Employees are typically concerned about their physical health, but they should also consider the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace because it can significantly affect productivity. The sooner employees can identify everyday stressors at work; the sooner managers can develop practical solutions for them. This will allow employees to focus more on getting things done, which in turn boosts productivity levels.
10. Resolve any conflicts within the workplace.
Conflict is generally considered bad for morale, but when handled well, it can have a positive effect on how people feel about their working environment. Developing patience is important. Managers shouldn’t ignore employee concerns even if they’re directly related to their daily tasks. Once the conflict is resolved, employees feel valued and more likely to trust the management, which helped them.
11. Offer flexible working hours.
Concerns over commuting time, childcare arrangements, and eldercare are valid reasons why some people prefer a shorter or longer shift. Asking employees about their preferred hours demonstrates that you care about their personal priorities instead of simply putting work productivity before everything else.
12. Allow Remote Work Days.
Remote work arrangements give employees more freedom and flexibility, which in turn enhances their sense of wellbeing. Permitting employees to spend a few days working from home can help them focus better since there is less noise and distraction around them. Moreover, it allows workers to enjoy the reduced costs that come with choosing another location for an office or workspace.
13. Promote diversity within the workforce.
A diverse workforce allows businesses to benefit significantly from having different ideas and opinions floating around so that multiple perspectives can exist around the same table. Not only does this improve productivity levels, but it can also offer a boost in staff morale and wellbeing.
14. Allow employees to attend social gatherings and conferences.
Attending events and conventions related to your industry is not only fun for workers, but it’s also fantastic for networking purposes and enhancing skill sets, whether through talks from inspirational speakers or formal training workshops put on by experts within the field. Allowing employees opportunities to attend such functions shows that they are valued members of the team.
15. Pay attention to employee feedback.
Companies and brands need to know what customers are saying about them online, but it’s also vital that they listen when employees have something to say about the company culture, even if it’s about how management is doing its job. Taking action will go a long way toward improving overall workplace wellbeing.
Conclusion
As employees are exposed to more stressors at work, they become more likely to experience burnout, which companies should avoid at all costs since it lowers productivity levels.
However, workers can maintain high performance even if their workplace environment occasionally gets them down because there are many ways for managers and company leaders to provide psychological support within the workplace. It just takes the initiative because without delivering these services, employees’ productivity will always be lower than it could’ve been otherwise.
