It's a new year and it's time to get serious about workplace wellness. We're living in a time where more than half of professionals are feeling anxious and 42 percent are feeling depressed.
Let's face it, being stuck in the office isn't always the most fun way to spend your day. That's why it's important to make sure your employees are happy and healthy in the new year. Here are a few tips to make sure your workplace is primed for success in 2023:
- Make sure there's a balance between work and leisure. Let your employees take breaks and enjoy some downtime during their workday.
- Encourage employees to be open and honest about how they're feeling. Listen and provide support when necessary.
- Offer flexible schedules and remote working options.
- Provide mental health resources, such as counseling or stress management programs.
By taking the steps necessary to create a healthy and supportive work environment, you can help ensure your employees are feeling their best in 2023!
Improve healthcare costs and benefits
When it comes to taking care of your people, it's essential to provide them with access to the emotional and mental health care they need. Unfortunately, with rising health care costs and general inflation, it's become increasingly difficult to find the time or money to invest in our wellbeing. As a result, almost one billion people around the world are struggling with mental health issues.
Employers can't ignore this - in fact, 65% of those surveyed by Business Group on Health said that health and wellbeing will be a core part of their workforce strategy.
To ensure your people's mental health and wellbeing at work, there are some simple and cost-effective programs you can introduce. Offer more flexibility in their schedules, mental health days, and employee-run mental health programs to provide a safe space to share experiences. Additionally, provide paid subscriptions to meditation and fitness apps to help promote wellbeing in the office.
These low-cost programs can make a real difference when it comes to your healthcare and wellbeing offerings, and help your people get the support they need to stay healthy and productive.
Surveys are your friend
It's no surprise that burnout has become an accepted part of the workplace. With so much stress and pressure in the modern workplace, it's important to make sure that your people are given the opportunity to express themselves and be heard. Anonymous pulse surveys are a great way to give your people the ability to voice their concerns without fear of retribution. It's also important to provide your people with the resources they need to combat burnout and find success. By allowing your people to speak up, you can create a healthier and more productive work environment.
Mental health training for leaders
Leaders must prioritize their people's mental health and wellbeing. Training in this area can equip them with the skills to address issues when they arise and help create a positive work environment. Research by Forrester, shows that while 70 percent of executives believe they promote a healthy work-life balance, only 53 percent of professionals feel encouraged to take PTO and only 46 percent feel supported to take time off for mental health purposes.
Company leaders must understand that investing in people-first initiatives not only supports their workers, it also contributes to a more exceptional company culture and higher employee engagement, satisfaction, and efficiency—ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.
Actively promote wellbeing
Companies that invest in mental health programs see an average ROI of four dollars for every dollar spent.
Investing in mental health and wellbeing is not only beneficial for employees, but it's also beneficial for companies. Companies that invest in mental health programs, such as open communication, flexible schedules, and stress management tools, can enjoy higher employee engagement, productivity, and retention rates, as well as reduced healthcare costs and improved morale. By investing in their people's mental health, companies can save money while also creating a workplace that is healthier, more productive, and more enjoyable.
According to Indeed.com, companies that offer programs like these enjoy higher employee engagement, productivity, and retention rates. They also enjoy reduced healthcare costs and improved morale.
Prioritize work-life balance
Having a healthy work-life balance is essential for people in today’s workforce. From taking time off for vacation or a doctor’s appointment to caregiving or personal reasons, paid time off is a must for all employees. According to data from OECD countries, most people dedicate 15 hours or 63% of the day to personal care, such as eating, sleeping, and leisure. Italy has the best work-life balance, followed by Denmark and Norway.
When it comes to promoting work-life balance, it’s key to listen to your people and allow them to have flexible arrangements that suit their lifestyle. If you trust your employees and let them have the freedom to leave early twice a week to pick up their kids, take time for a hobby, or use a half-day for volunteering, you’ll find that they are more productive, retain information better, and are more likely to stay with your company.
Taking care of our mental wellbeing will be a top priority for businesses who want to keep their employees content and healthy. With less stress and depression, and the chance to focus on building a better self, employers can expect to see great improvements in their staff's morale, output, and return on investment. So, let's make sure that we all take the time to invest in our mental health; it's the best investment we can make!
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