In today’s fast-paced work environment, taking care of your employees’ wellness has become more important than ever. With employee turnover on the rise, companies are doing everything they can to keep their top talent happy and healthy.
A survey by Lyra Health found that 86% of HR and benefits leaders have prioritized mental health since 2020.
But how do you create a workplace wellness program and workplace wellness tips that work?
That’s what we’re here to discuss. Keep reading for some practical tips to boost your team’s physical and mental well-being.
Why Promote Wellness at Work?
You might be wondering, “Why should we focus on wellness in the workplace?”
Simply put, a focus on wellness helps improve your employees’ overall health, addressing their mental, emotional, and physical health.
Mental wellness is especially crucial with more people working remotely and experiencing increased loneliness. A study by Qualtrics found that over 44% of remote employees reported a decline in their mental health.
A good wellness program and healthy habits can help employees become more productive by giving them the tools to manage stress and approach tasks with a fresh perspective. This, in turn, helps prevent burnout—something that 40% of workers feel is just around the corner.
Physical wellness activities also play a big role. They can reduce sick days and keep your team in top shape. Investing in employee wellness isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a smart business move. Studies show that wellness programs can increase an employee’s productivity by ten hours per year and we’re not just talking about lunch breaks.
Start with Your HR and Team Leaders
Think of the advice you get on airplanes: “Put on your oxygen mask first before helping others.” The same principle applies here.
HR and team leaders need to be well-supported so they can, in turn, support their teams. Start by designing an employee wellness program that fosters a positive mindset. For instance, consider giving employees Mental Health Days as part of your corporate wellness program.
Taking a day off to recharge can help leaders stay positive, and lower stress levels which they can then pass on to their team members.
Listen to Your Employees
To understand what your employees need, ask them! Create wellness surveys and gather their input. This helps you tailor your programs to what they want.
A Microsoft study found that 48% of employees left their jobs due to a lack of mental health support, and work-related stress, and 21% had issues with work hours and location. These issues can be addressed if employees have a chance to voice their concerns.
Recognize Hard Work and Show Gratitude
Recognition and gratitude are key to making employees feel valued. Regularly acknowledging your team’s efforts can boost their morale and make them feel like an important part of the organization as well as help with life balance.
Consider giving rewards like free movie tickets, hotel stays, or even just a heartfelt thank you. A recognition tool can also be a great way to allow employees to earn points and choose their rewards.
Incorporate 5-Minute Wellness Activities.
Short wellness activities can make a big difference. Simple things like quick meditation sessions or stretching breaks can improve focus and productivity.
Set specific times during the day for these workplace health activities, and encourage everyone to participate. These small breaks can help your employees feel more refreshed and ready to tackle their tasks.
Regular Check-Ins
Regular team check-ins are beneficial for fostering a positive work environment. These can take the form of either individual meetings or group office hours, depending on your team’s size.
Research shows that employees who have regular check-ins with their managers are more likely to trust and respect them, feel engaged, and believe in their growth within the organization.
Create a Fun and Comfortable Environment
Make the workplace enjoyable and comfortable. Invest in a break room with fun fixtures like foosball, ping pong tables, and board games. Adding indoor plants can also reduce stress, increase creativity, and boost productivity.
Encourage Caring Among Employees
Encourage a culture of caring. Promote trust and goodwill across all levels of leadership to build a supportive community within your organization.
Coordinate wellness events and activities.
Turn wellness into a fun challenge! Organize company-wide games and activities to promote physical and mental health. Create daily, weekly, and monthly challenges like step-count competitions or healthy recipe swaps.
Support Your Remote Staff
Remote work can be isolating, so it’s important to provide emotional support. Use virtual platforms to maintain connections and ensure remote employees feel included and supported.
Conclusion
Workplace wellness programs are essential for keeping employees happy and motivated, which in turn benefits your company. Prioritizing the well-being of your team is an investment in the future success of your organization.
So, get creative and start planning your wellness program today with plenty of wellness topics. Your employees—and your bottom line—will thank you!
Hire Some Help
If your recruitment efforts are not bearing fruit, and/or you need help with an ethics audit, contact Search Masters for assistance. Our team of professionals can help you find the ideal personnel to empower your business.
Search Masters utilizes numerous online resources and tools to help you find the perfect people for your business.
Search Masters can assist you with creating job postings that could appeal to competent applicants and offer advice on assessing resumes and applications to find the ideal candidate for your business.
In addition, our assistance on interviewing skills, salary discussion tactics, and more is only a phone call away.
FAQ
Q: What are some self-care activities?
A: Self-care activities can include getting a massage, exercising, eating healthy, flexible work arrangements, or picking up a new hobby like painting or drawing.
Q: What activities are fun to do?
A: Physical activities and other wellness initiatives, wellness challenges, and wellness ideas can range from bike riding and yoga to boxing, running, or playing sports like football, swimming, badminton, and tennis.
Q: What do workers need for wellness?
Employees want wellness programs that show genuine care, mental health resources, health tips, offer effective mental health support, and are convenient. They also appreciate motivation and incentives to participate in a wellness culture.