5 steps to improve employee wellness in the workplace
As a business owner or manager, you understand the importance of having a healthy and productive workforce. However, creating a culture of wellness in the workplace is easier said than done. Long hours, stress, and sedentary lifestyles can take a toll on your employees’ physical and mental health, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve employee wellness in the workplace.
We discuss them below.
Afford employees some level of control over how they work
It is a bit surprising, but research shows that having little or no control over how you work is associated with heart disease, poorer mental health, and increased risks of Diabetes.
This shows how crucial some level of autonomy is to your employees. They are professionals, so it’s best not to breathe down their throats while they do their work.
If required, let your employees undergo training to take on new tasks rather than always telling them what to do in real-time.
Allow flexibility over time.
Aside from giving control over how they work, it’s also beneficial to let employees have some flexibility over when they work. Think about incorporating varied shifts, starting times, and stopping times. If the job mustn’t be done on-site, consider allowing employees to work remotely occasionally.
The benefit of executing this strategy can be seen in a Fortune 500 company. When the IT workers were given control over when and where they work, they recorded improved mental and physical health and turnover.
Reorganize your workspace
Evidence suggests that productivity can be improved by reorganizing the workplace and eliminating clutter. One reason for this is that the fewer obstacles employees face while discharging their roles, the less frustrated and stressed they become. Consequently, they can focus their mind and energy on the task at hand.
Map out your facility; identify areas that may hinder movement, view, or flow. You may even need to combine two departments or offices with improving workflow.
And if there are germs, poor air quality, or annoying pests, you might want to get rid of them. Of course, regular pest control for businesses is crucial as harmful bugs can be a disturbance and health hazard in the workplace.
Provide avenues for employees to address workplace problems
How involved are your employees in problem resolution in the workplace? Do you allow them to identify and solve challenges themselves, or do they feel like their voices aren’t being heard?
In a study of medical practitioners, those who were allowed to identify and solve workplace problems reported higher job satisfaction and less burnout.
Generally, when employees feel like they’re a core part of the company, they’ll be happier and less likely to leave.
Create a social culture
The saying goes that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Creating a company culture where employees have good social Relationships with each other can foster better well-being company-wide. There is much evidence that such relationships lead to lower psychological distress.
Creating a social culture in your company shouldn’t be too complex. It can be a gathering where employees share their experiences, or a social dinner.
Conclusion
As these points above illustrate, many company practices affect employee well-being. They may seem trivial, but they go a long way to foster better health and overall productivity for your organization.
Originally Published on https://www.breakfastleadership.com/
