Key Highlights
We spend most of our lives at work. If your team isn't feeling fulfilled and healthy, it's time to step in! If you fail to create a great workplace for your employees, they could start looking elsewhere, and your business could lose its appeal to new hires, who often prioritize happiness over salary and perks.
It's likely that you've spent a lot of time and effort creating your company's vision, brand, and technology. But you don’t want to overlook the most important element of your business… your people! What can you do to improve their wellbeing?
Having a nice break room and comfy chairs isn't enough to ensure employee well-being. People need to feel valued and supported at work, both mentally and emotionally.
Openness and support in the workplace make all the difference when it comes to mental health. Not only is it good for employees, but it is also good for business. A study by the American Psychological Association found that companies that focus on employee well-being grow their revenue 3.5 times faster than those that do not.
The importance of physical health shouldn't be overlooked either. Employees who are active, eat well, and get enough sleep reduce healthcare costs and increase productivity. Fast Company reports that happy employees are even 12% more productive.
In the end, investing in your employees' well-being is an investment in your company's future. And that's a win-win for everyone.
Ever wonder about the real price tag on poor employee well-being? It goes way beyond just feeling down. Think about all those sick days, the dip in job performance, and the burnout that leads employees to jump ship. Here's a quick rundown of what it can really cost:
The good news? Your organization has the power to turn things around. By taking steps to boost employee well-being, you're not just saving money—you're investing in a happier, healthier, and more productive team.
Recognizing when coworkers are struggling emotionally is super important for keeping everyone feeling supported at work. Here are some signs to look out for and ways you can help:
By recognizing these signs and offering support, you can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported in taking care of their mental health.
“The biggest concern for any organization should be when their most passionate people become quiet.” — Tim McClure
Ever feel like you're living in a world that never sleeps? It's easy to get caught up in the hustle culture where it seems like we're always expected to be available. But this can lead to burnout—a feeling of total exhaustion and a drop in job performance.
So, how do you deal with it? Here are some simple steps to help you manage stress and create a healthier work environment:
Focus on What You Can Control: Talk to your team about workload and stress levels. Open communication can lead to practical solutions, like adjusting workload or getting extra support.
💛 Inclusivv Tip: Work on mindset and communication skills. Consider taking a Facilitator Training to lead with empathy and confidence.
Find Time for Yourself: Make time for things you love outside of work, whether it's a hobby, exercise, or hanging out with friends. These activities are crucial for your emotional and physical well-being. Regular exercise can really help reduce stress and boost your mood, so find something you enjoy and make it part of your routine.
💛 Inclusivv Tip: Schedule regular "me-time" to recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Set Boundaries: It's important to set clear limits on your work hours and protect your personal time. Make sure you have time to rest and do things unrelated to work.
💛 Inclusivv Tip: Create a post-work routine to help you transition from work mode to relaxation mode.
Connect with Your Team: Having meaningful conversations with your colleagues can make a big difference. Even just spending an hour a month talking about important topics can create a happier and more inclusive workplace.
💛 Inclusivv Tip: Consider joining one of our Membership tracks to help your team have more meaningful connections.
Daily habits can improve your six dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial, and social—which are proven to help you become your best self, personally and professionally.
We've got some helpful habits to help you get started on your journey to a happier, healthier you. And to make it stick, we suggest starting with just two habits at a time. Stick with them for at least 21 days—they say that's how long it takes to make a habit stick! And why not share your goals with a colleague? It'll help you both stay on track.
Physical Well-being:
Physical well-being is your most fundamental source of energy. Your body's like a car—it needs good fuel to run smoothly. And sleep, exercise, and nutrition are the gas.
Sleep is probably Inclusivv’s favorite habit! Ever heard of Google's "nap pods"? They're not just cool to look at, they're an investment in employee well-being. By prioritizing quality sleep, Google saw a significant drop in absenteeism and an increase in employee satisfaction. And it's no surprise—research shows that if you don’t get enough sleep, your ability to learn new things drops by 40%!
Emotional Well-being:
Your emotional well-being is all about checking in with yourself and making sure you're in a good headspace. It's fueled by things like empathy, gratitude, and compassion.
Mental Well-being:
Ever feel like your brain is running a million miles a minute? Mental well-being is all about keeping your mind in check and staying focused throughout the day. It's like having a mental to-do list and knowing how to tackle it without getting overwhelmed.
Spiritual Well-being:
What gives your life meaning and purpose? Spiritual well-being is your source of motivation and meaning in and outside of work that is aligned with your individual core values and purpose.
Financial Well-being:
Money matters! Financial well-being is about feeling secure in your finances and knowing how to budget for both the present and the future. It's like having a roadmap for your financial journey—knowing where you're headed and how to get there. Pay equity is also important. Pay people what they should be paid.
Two-thirds of employees who are struggling financially report at least one sign of poor mental health that could affect their ability to function at work. These include loss of sleep, poor concentration, and reduced motivation. — Mental Health at Work
Social Well-being:
Social well-being is your ability to develop and sustain relationships at all levels — personally and professionally, in person or virtually— and how you make an impact in your community and beyond.
Gallup research found something they call “the benefits of the water cooler.” Even though socializing may seem like it would decrease workplace productivity, Gallup found that socializing at work is actually good for business. Among those with thriving social well-being, 49% were thriving in their careers. The study also found that employees who say they have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their work.
But this isn’t even the most interesting part. Gallup reported that to have a thriving day, people need six hours of social time. Few organizations would condone unstructured social time on company dime, but employers can promote social well-being programs and development opportunities that can produce important business results. Inclusivv Membership does just that!
Enhancing employee well-being is an important part of creating a healthy and productive work environment. Employers can take several steps to promote employee well-being and create a holistic workplace that nurtures the overall health and happiness of employees. Here's what you can do:
Step One: Make the case
First up, you need to get your organization ready for wellbeing initiatives. Start by making a strong case for why it’s worth investing in employee wellbeing. Talk about the benefits of wellness programs and how they can make your team happier and more productive.
Here’s a stat to help you get started: For every dollar spent on mental health support, you get four dollars back in improved health and productivity, according to the World Health Organization.
It’s also important to get your leaders on board. Teach them why employee wellbeing matters and how it can boost the whole team. Once they understand and feel involved, they’ll be more likely to support the program.
Step Two: Understand employee needs
The next step is to figure out how your team members are doing and what they need to thrive. This can be done in different ways, like doing a well-being check.
A well-being check means getting info about your team's physical, mental, and emotional health, and how they feel about their work setup. You can do this through surveys, interviews, or focus groups.
Why is it so important to listen to your people? Because there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to well-being. You might think you’re supporting your team’s physical and mental health by providing yoga classes, but if they’d rather be going for a walk or meditating, you’re not going to be making as much of an impact as you may have wanted. Don’t guess on people’s behalf. Ask them and let them help you to help create a better culture that fosters better well-being for everyone!
Step Three: Develop a program
Once you’ve figured out how your team is doing and what they need, it’s time to build a wellbeing program that fits the bill.
This program should consider the specific challenges and preferences of your employees. Think about offering a mix of activities that cover physical, mental, and emotional health. From stress-busting workshops to calming mindfulness sessions or monthly community conversations, there are plenty of options.
It’s super important to involve your team in this process. Get their input and feedback to make sure the program matches their needs and preferences. After all, it’s all about making sure everyone feels supported and cared for.
Step Four: Provide resources to employees
Giving your team the resources and support they need is key to boosting their wellbeing. They need tools and systems that can help them feel their best physically, mentally, and emotionally.
You can provide all sorts of resources, like gym facilities, workshops on wellness, or access to therapists. This helps your team take proactive steps toward feeling great. And don’t forget about Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer confidential counseling and support for any issues they might face, whether personal or work-related.
But it’s not just about what you provide—it’s also about the environment you create. Supportive managers and colleagues play a big role here. They do this by keeping communication open, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, and giving everyone chances to connect socially at work.
Step Five: Communicate clearly and implement the program
Now it’s time to put the program into action, and that means making sure everyone knows about it.
Clear communication is key here. Tell your team all about the program—what it’s about, what goals it aims to achieve, and all the benefits it offers. You can spread the word through different channels like team meetings, emails, or a special website just for the wellness program.
Make sure to use language that’s welcoming and caring, emphasizing how much the organization values everyone’s well-being and is committed to supporting it.
Step Six: Continuously improve
Now, for the final touch: keep an eye on things, gather feedback, and keep improving the program.
That means regularly checking how well the program is working, listening to what your team has to say, and making any tweaks needed to make sure it's a success.
Managers can promote wellbeing among remote workers by providing clear expectations and guidelines for remote work, encouraging regular communication and virtual team-building activities, and supporting work-life balance. Managers need to check in regularly with remote workers, provide opportunities for social connection, and support their mental and physical health.
Approach the conversation with your supervisor or colleagues from a problem-solving perspective. Be honest by sharing your experiences openly and suggesting solutions or support you need. Approach it as a problem to solve together. Focus on your experience by talking about how burnout is affecting your work and well-being. Sharing your perspective helps others understand what you're going through. Remember you're not alone; many people experience burnout, so don't feel ashamed to bring it up. It shows your dedication to your job and your own well-being.
Three common problems in the workplace include poor communication, inadequate work-life balance, and limited opportunities for growth.