When was the last time that you checked in with your employees? You may think that you know them quite well, but you actually only see a snippet of their lives at work. The fact of the matter is, your employees’ work performance is a reflection of their well-being. Creating a work environment that encourages positive well-being benefits both your employees and your business. So, it’s important to guide them toward a balanced state by valuing more than just their physical health. If you want happier employees, you should invest in these 5 dimensions of wellness.
Mental Well-being
Work is often stressful, and it can be even harder for those who are facing other problems outside of their jobs. Poor mental health can cause high absenteeism and employee turnover, which damages your company’s productivity. Managing anxiety is critical to ensuring that your employees are able to succeed in their positions and fulfill the responsibilities they have been given.
People spend much of their day at work, so make sure that it is a safe space. Educate your staff by holding stress management workshops. You can also do regular mindfulness exercises, such as holding meditation sessions before the start of work. Furthermore, you should address mental health in the workplace by training your managers in recognizing symptoms of stress and depression in your employees, and by encouraging your people to seek professional help when needed.
Financial Well-being
Your employees’ financial status affects the quality of their daily lives. We need money to access basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Thus, employees who experience financial stress may have trouble focusing at work and may seem more agitated.
So, it’s important to prepare a financial literacy program that can educate them on managing debt, saving for retirement, and setting budgets. Recommend useful tools like the aptly-named YNAB (You Need a Budget), an easy-to-use monthly budgeting tool that encourages users to track every dollar they earn with detailed sheets and extensive reports. Apps like Mint and Honeydue are also great options. Guide them to build up their savings by setting aside money in high-yielding savings accounts or in a certificate of deposit so that their savings can mature at a higher rate. Using calculators for certificates of deposit can encourage employees to explore savings options, as it lets them see how much interest they can earn if they save over a set period of time. Opening their eyes to these good financial steps can empower your staff to take the necessary steps to establish their financial security — and your bottom line will thank you for it, too.
Physical Well-being
People usually associate their well-being with their physical health. Our well-being manifests in our bodies in different ways, which is why it’s important to encourage your employees to take care of their physical health. Employees with poor physical health are less energetic at work, plus they may get sick on a regular basis.
Improve your employees’ physical health by encouraging them to have a healthy diet and lifestyle. Offer healthy snacks in the office or during work meetings and events. If your workplace has enough space, dedicate an area where your employees can exercise. You may also do stretching exercises together at regular intervals.
Occupational Well-being
Employees tend to stay longer in a company that aligns with their career goals. If your employees think that they can grow professionally in your organization, then they will be more loyal and dedicated.
As their leader, you have the power to improve your employees’ occupational well-being by improving their job satisfaction. Make it a habit to recognize and compliment your employees’ performance and achievements. Moreover, offering flexible work schedules can make your employees more satisfied. Allow them to have better work-life balance by offering flexible hours or work-from-home options.
Social Well-being
Building your employees’ social well-being is essential in creating camaraderie. Your team needs to communicate and work with each other, and employees with negative attitudes can cause friction and disagreements at work.
Turn your workplace into a collaborative environment by improving your employees’ relationships with one another. Try to provide areas where your employees can hang out or eat lunch together. You can also turn work events and team meetings into opportunities for your employees to get to know one another. As the leader, you should also set a good example by being clear and diplomatic when you express your thoughts and ideas.
Remember, things like your employees’ mental health influences their productivity, and poor mental health can cause high absenteeism and employee turnover. Your employees will be happier and more productive if their needs are addressed. Assist them in taking care of themselves by creating programs and practices that support their mental, financial, physical, occupational, and social well-being. Implement positive changes in your workplace so that both you and your employees can experience fulfillment inside and outside of work.
Guest post authored by Rhea Hansen.
