Our blog for January, is a little different from normal, it is about people and their well being and how we can best support them.
As we zoom our way into 2022, we can’t help but reflect over the last 12 months and how it has not only been challenging for businesses but also for our personal mental wellbeing.
This is especially true when it comes to the workplace, mental wellbeing at work is no longer a trend, but a priority.
At least one in six workers experience more common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, according a leading mental health charity. Given the uncertain time we are currently experiencing, this is a statistic that is likely to increase.
If you and your organisation is committed to making sure your workforce feels good then it’s time to update you employee engagement strategy to include well-being at work.
So, what should this include?
1. Financial well-being can provide a sense of safety
A fundamental aspect of well-being is sense of safety. If employees can’t make ends meet at home and worry about basic needs such as food or housing, how can they be engaged, focused, and productive at work?
You could offer financial advice or workshops, which could be a game changer. A better well-being at work and a reduction in stress can noticed immediately. In the long term, it strengthens your position as a company who cares for its workforce, inside and outside of the office.
2. Ensure your work environment supports physical well-being
The inactive nature of work is known to be bad for health: prolonged periods of sitting could increase the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
A work environment that supports physical well-being is a must-have. Promote daily walks in the sunlight, ensure people take regular lunch breaks and get up every few hours to make a drink or stretch their legs.
3. Use recognition to boost social well-being at work
By prioritising employee recognition, you will strengthen connections between colleagues and deepen social well-being. Recognition can boost both engagement and productivity, transforming the way your employees perform at work.
A healthy workplace culture is a vibe more than a defined attitude. With recognition, you put humanity at the heart of your core values.
4. Don’t ignore anxiety in the workplace
Did you know two thirds of employees feel burnt out at work? And if burnout immensely affects employee well-being, consider its dramatic impact on organisations.
Creating an open, supportive and healthy environment where people can develop and thrive is very important.
Moving forward, the work environment will see an increase in AI, robots, and co-working between humans and technology. But robots won’t be able to replicate the feelings that define us as human beings, such as creativity, empathy, or compassion towards others. These emotions can only thrive if your employees feel good about their well-being and their overall work experience.
That’s why it’s time to make well-being at work a priority within your workplace.
If you require any additional support about people’s mental wellbeing please go to Home | Mind, the mental health charity – help for mental health problems or CIPD The Professional Body for Human Resources and People Development
