8 Simple Ways to Improve Employee Wellbeing
When you feel good, you perform well. Whether that’s physically, emotionally, or mentally, wellness plays a critical role in overall performance. And while this is commonly known amongst athletes, taking care of your well-being actually positively impacts most jobs. In fact, Gallup, a global performance-management consulting company, states that the two major factors influencing employee performance are engagement and well-being.
Check out 8 simple ways you can invest in the well-being of your employees:
Plan a team outing to a park or beach, set up a short weekend hike, or simply move your 4PM staff meeting outside. Changing up the environment can do wonders for your attitude and mood, so take advantage of what our beautiful island has to offer.
Encourage your employees to eat lunch together or if possible, create a comfortable communal area with snacks, coffee/tea, and water. The more support your employees feel from each other, the better they will work together.
Take a few minutes once a day to have a “team huddle” to share stories, recognize employees, and get to know each other on a more personal level. This is also a great time to ask for feedback and insight from your employees.
Competition and teamwork are best learned on the court – or on the field, a yoga mat, a baseball diamond, etc. Get your employees involved in a team sport so they can bring back the skills learned from being on a team back to the workplace.
If you have an employee pantry, stock up on healthy snacks for the team. Quick, on-the-go snacks, like nuts, granola bars, fruit, and crackers, encourage employees to stay on-site during their breaks and offer a better alternative to typical vending machine snacks. If you don’t have the budget for providing snacks, treat your employees to a healthy lunch once a month. Another option: ask your employees to provide their favorite healthy homemade dishes to compile into a company cookbook.
The best way to recharge is to take time off. While giving all your employees a week off during your busy season is not realistic, encourage your staff to take a “mental health day” when they need it. Create a culture where teammates support each other when the other is out. Employees shouldn’t feel guilty about using PTO, they’ve earned it!
Besides financial compensation, growth is one of the biggest driving factors of successful employees. Give your team the opportunity to grow by offering seminars, trainings, book clubs, and more. If there is a crossover between an employee’s personal interests and company needs, think outside the box to get them involved. For example, your Finance Manager’s local band could be the feature talent at your company picnic.
This is one of the best ways to get the entire team on board with healthy choices. Whether it is a 30-day exercise challenge, a new diet that everyone tries together, or a weight-loss competition, incentivizing your employees to keep with the challenge to earn a reward is a great way to encourage healthy living.
A happy workforce is a productive workforce, and it doesn’t take much to invest in the well-being of your employees. Use these tips to get started on the path to well-being and you’ll notice the positive impact it can have on achieving your overall business goals.
