Achieving Employee Wellbeing

Effective Strategies for a Supportive Workplace

Did you know that 83% of employees believe their well-being at work is just as important as their salary? This eye-opening statistic comes from the Gympass State of Work-Life Wellness Report 2022. It’s clear that prioritising esployee mental health is crucial.

Sadly, one in four people in the UK experience mental health problems at some point in their lives, with work often being cited as the primary cause of stress and anxiety. The pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, leading to a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide, fueled by economic instability and digital overload.

To combat these challenges, it’s essential that companies implement strategies and policies to protect employee mental health. Here are some key steps to consider:

Create a positive community: Foster inclusivity and diversity in the workplace to cultivate a supportive environment for employees.

Make the right investment in mental health: Recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to employee mental health. Invest in services that support staff, such as training mental health first aiders and offering employee wellbeing programmes.

Support career wellbeing: Establish clear job progression and provide meaningful responsibilities to prevent a lack of purpose and direction from negatively impacting employee wellbeing. Consider implementing Employee Training Solutions to support career growth.

Build openness: Encourage open and honest discussions about employee wellbeing by providing managers with mental health resources and offering self-assessments and questionnaires to employees. Create an environment where co-workers feel comfortable reaching out for support.

Measure and track engagement: Continuously evaluate and modify wellbeing services based on what works for employees. This feedback-driven approach enables enhancements and improvements.

Emphasise job security: Recognise that financial wellbeing is interconnected with overall mental health. Show employees that their work is valued and that their job is secure. Provide resources on budgeting and financial planning to alleviate employee worries.

Foster work-life balance: Prioritise employee preferences by supporting initiatives like hybrid or flexible working arrangements, employee wellbeing days, or even implementing a 4-day work week. These practices can have a positive impact on long-term mental health.

Offer attractive employee benefits: Ensure your benefits package aligns with the cost of living and includes relevant discounts and services. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting employees’ financial wellbeing.

By implementing these steps, companies can truly prioritise and protect the mental health of their employees, creating a happier and more productive workforce.

For more support talk to your Breathing Space People Partner and ask about a free trial of DevelopME our online personalised learning and development platform which has 80 courses dedicated to Wellbeing.