It’s no secret that a person who feels good—physically, mentally and emotionally—will perform better, both personally and professionally. Employers who recognize this and implement initiatives to advance and enhance professional wellness will find that their employees are more engaged and productive, report higher levels of satisfaction and are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
So, how do you create an environment where employees can thrive and be healthy and happy? In recognition of June as Professional Wellness Month, we take a look at some best practices.
Work/Life Balance
We’ve heard a lot about work/life balance over the past decade, and it’s become an even more prominent discussion throughout the pandemic. That’s because we are all human. As much as we might want our employees to check their home lives at the door, they can’t. If they are worried about childcare, aging parents, their own health concerns or a myriad of other stressors, they carry those concerns in with them, just like they carry their work stressors back home. Without relief, this can quickly lead to burnout.
While you can’t solve your employee’s personal challenges, there are steps you can take to mitigate them and their impact. For example, we’ve seen many companies shift to hybrid work environments, or even fully remote ones, to help alleviate concerns about infection control and childcare. Other companies offer flexible work time that allows their employees to work hours that are more conducive to their overall schedule and productivity.
Obviously, these options won’t work for every business, but recognizing that there are times when home and work obligations overlap can lead you to develop creative solutions that benefit both parties.
Make Time for Wellness
If your employees are routinely working through their lunch breaks, coming in early and leaving late just to keep their heads above water, not only are they likely to be less happy, but also less healthy. Our bodies need adequate sleep, nutrition, hydration, relaxation and exercise. Without these essential elements, your employees won’t perform at their best and are more likely to suffer from health conditions that will keep them out of work or even make them look for a new job.
Not only do the best employers recognize this, but they also provide resources and incentives to help their employees reach and maintain their optimal health. This can take the form of everything from free or discounted gym memberships to group walks at lunchtime, from personal coaching sessions to company-supplied bottled water and healthy snacks. It also means encouraging employees to take lunch breaks and vacations, leave on time and take advantage of other wellness benefits.
Bottom Line
You have to approach professional wellness holistically. Employees aren’t robots you turn on at the beginning of the day and shut down at night. Investing time and resources into their overall well-being will ultimately make them more valuable in the long term.
We have decades of experience helping employers and their teams reach their full potential, including managing motivation, achieving work/life balance and developing a structure for success. If your employee turnover is high or morale is low, it’s time to explore new ideas. Reach out to see how we can help.