Prioritizing Employee Well-Being

Tips for Employers, Managers, and Co-Workers

 

It can be easy to let our well-being take a backseat to other things. Things such as deadlines, family responsibilities, and the drive to hit financial or productivity milestones are great examples. However, research consistently shows that prioritizing employee health and happiness leads to a more positive work culture. It also leads to increased productivity, higher profits, and better retention rates.

 

We can all play a role in recognizing the importance of employee well-being. We can also learn how to proactively support it for ourselves, our co-workers, and staff. This post will explore why employee well-being matters and provide actionable tips for fostering a supportive work environment.

 

The Importance of Employee Well-being

1. Productivity: Some studies have found that happy and healthy employees are more productive, up to 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more engaged and motivated to perform at their best.
2. Profits: Investing in employee well-being can increase companies’ profits. Research has found that companies with high employee engagement have 21% higher profitability and that companies with a strong focus on employee well-being outperform their peers.
3. Retention Rates: High levels of employee stress and burnout significantly contribute to turnover rates, which can be incredibly costly for companies. By prioritizing employee well-being, employers can reduce turnover and retain top talent.

 

How to Support Employee Well-being

Company Leadership:

1. Lead by Example: Demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being by prioritizing work-life integration on your own, taking breaks using vacation time, and encouraging open communication.
2. Invest in Resources: Consider allocating resources for employee wellness programs, such as mental health support, fitness initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
3. Provide Flexibility: Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to accommodate employees’ individual needs.

 

Managers:

1. Communicate Openly: Maintain open lines of communication with your team members and encourage them to voice their concerns or challenges.
2. Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid overloading employees with excessive workloads. Set realistic goals and deadlines to prevent burnout.
3. Offer Support: Ensure your employees know about company-provided support and resources to manage stress and maintain well-being. Examples include access to counseling services or wellness webinars through your EAP.

 

Co-workers:

1. Show Empathy: Be supportive and empathetic toward your co-workers. Take the time to listen and offer to help when and if possible.
2. Encourage Breaks: Encourage your co-workers to take regular daily breaks to rest and recharge. And remember to bring your advice as well!
3. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your co-workers to boost morale and foster a positive work environment.

 

As we enter Mental Health Month, ensuring our employees and co-workers receive the support they need to safeguard their well-being is more important than ever. And prioritizing employee well-being is not just the right thing—it also makes good business sense. By supporting the health and happiness of employees, companies can drive productivity, increase profits, decrease burnout, improve retention rates, and foster a culture where employees thrive.

 

WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS is a group of dedicated professionals who provide assistance and resources to individuals and families to create a satisfying and meaningful life. We’re counselors, attorneys, financial professionals, and experienced specialists in a wide variety of fields. Because life’s challenges and opportunities show up in a range of different areas, we assist in a number of different ways.