Employee wellbeing should be a priority for every business owner. Whether you’re a global enterprise, an SME or a growing business that employees one or two people. It’s no longer enough to offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Employees now want more; a company where they can thrive, and where their physical, emotional, psychological, social, and financial needs are met so they feel supported to perform their best. 

Poor mental health costs UK employers up to £45bn each year, according to a study by Deloitte – but it’s a cost they can cut considerably by investing in the right support for their people.

But what does it really mean for employers to prioritise health and wellbeing? 

This article looks at ways in which employers can encourage the right work-life balance, promote self-care and how to create a healthier, happier and more successful workplace.

Breaking the stigma

Create a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their struggles by encouraging open conversations so that everyone feels free to talk about mental health concerns, knowing they will be met with empathy and support. 

Employees should be given time during their working week or month to attend or run programmes, workshops and initiatives to help support their own mental health. 

Conversations around wellbeing should be treated as an ongoing dialogue with regular “social” check in with employees. This creates a supportive environment where your staff can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns that may not even be work related. 

Balancing career success with a healthy mindset

It’s increasingly common for individuals to prioritise career advancement over their mental health. This can lead to unrealistic expectations, excessive workloads, and a lack of support for employees experiencing stress or burnout. 

It’s not healthy for employees to feel compelled to suppress their emotional wellbeing in order to meet the demands of their jobs, ultimately risking their long-term health and happiness.

Setting clear boundaries with specific working hours can help employees separate work-related tasks from personal activities, promoting a healthier work-life balance and reducing stress.

Implementing stress management strategies during the working day like mindfulness, exercise, regular breaks, and disconnecting from work when needed. These will help promote a more nurturing culture, helping employees recognise that you value their mental health over performance. 

Employers should also consider offering training for managers, such as Mental Health First Aid to help them recognise signs of stress or burnout in their team members and be able to provide or signpost appropriate support. 

Promote work-life balance and flexibility

The very meaning of the word ‘flexibility’ makes it harder for organisations to know where and when to draw boundaries. There is no right and wrong here and it really depends on the needs of your employees and that of the business. Many employers like to think they are “flexible employers,” yet struggle to enable the use of them in ways that support personal wellbeing. 

True flexibility is about giving people options, allowing employees to work in ways that gives them greater control over their work-life balance and job satisfaction, while carefully balancing the needs of the business. 

Establish the right framework for flexible working by having clear and concise policies that outline the types of flexible working arrangements available, eligibility criteria, and the process for requesting and approving such arrangements. This will make it easier for everyone to strike the right work-life balance and help create a flexible working culture. 

What’s important to remember is that creating a culture of wellbeing is never one and done. It’s a continuous journey, requiring a mix of initiatives, continuous effort, and most importantly, a commitment to the process.

If you would like help to make sure your health and wellbeing initiatives are on track and that they support the evolving needs of your workforce, contact us today for more information.