In today's fast-paced world, where work often takes priority over everything else, maintaining good health and well-being has become more important than ever. The workplace is one of the places where people spend a significant amount of time, and it has a considerable impact on their overall health and well-being.
It's no secret that a healthy and happy workforce is more productive and engaged, and employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating a healthy work environment.
But, where to start? In this blog, we will explore practical ways to improve health and well-being in the workplace, including strategies to promote physical activity, healthy eating, mental well-being, and work-life balance. Whether you are an employer or an employee, these tips can help you create a healthier and happier workplace. So, let’s dive in!
Lead by example
By adopting a top-down approach to wellbeing, organisations can create a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, reduces stress and burnout, and promotes a healthy and productive workplace culture
Leaders and managers should model healthy behaviours and promote work-life balance. This can include taking breaks, eating healthy snacks, making sure they use their holiday allowance time, and prioritising their own mental health.
Develop a well-being strategy
Organisations should create a comprehensive well-being strategy that outlines specific goals, targets, and initiatives to support employee well-being. This can include offering flexible working hours, providing healthy food options, and promoting physical activity.
Management training
Managers should be trained to recognise signs of stress and burnout in employees, and how to support their team members’ mental health needs. This could include training in mindfulness techniques or providing access to employee assistance programs.
Businesses can encourage new employees to prioritise self-care by providing information on stress-management techniques, mindfulness practices, and the benefits of physical exercise and healthy eating.
Embed mental health awareness into induction and training
By embedding mental health awareness into the company culture, organisations can promote a culture of openness and support from the start of the employee's journey. Employers can provide general information on mental health and well-being, including the importance of maintaining good mental health and signs of common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Encourage open communication
Leaders should encourage open communication with employees about their well-being needs and concerns. This can be done through regular check-ins, surveys, or by creating an open-door policy.
Organisations can use various communication channels such as newsletters, social media, and noticeboards to share information and updates on health and wellbeing initiatives. This can include information on healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, and mindfulness practices.
Provide resources
Ensure staff have easy access to resources such as counselling, mental health support, and access to fitness facilities or wellness programs to support employee wellbeing.
Does your workforce have anywhere to ‘switch off’? Can you provide a dedicated break area where employees can relax, eat lunch, and socialise? This area should be separate from the workspace to help employees mentally disconnect from work.
Encourage real breaks
Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the day, including a lunch break, to help them recharge and refocus.
Encourage staff to take responsibility for their own wellbeing
Creating a supportive culture where staff feel comfortable discussing their well-being needs and concerns can help to encourage staff to take responsibility for their own well-being and can prioritise their health and make it a part of their daily routine.
Promote physical activity
Regular exercise has been shown to increase cognitive function, memory, and focus, all of which can improve work performance and productivity.
Encourage employees to take a short walk or engage in physical activity during their breaks to promote physical and mental well-being.
Peer support
Peer support can be a powerful tool in promoting health and well-being in the workplace. Organisations can encourage employees to form wellness groups or provide training for employees to become mental health champions.
Arrange wellbeing workshops
Conduct a survey or a needs assessment to identify the areas of well-being that employees are interested in. This can help you tailor the workshops to meet the specific needs of your employees.
Consider bringing in experts in the field to lead the workshops or presentations. This can add credibility and provide valuable insights and information.
Schedule workshops on a regular basis, such as once a month, to keep employees engaged and encourage them to prioritise their well-being.
By raising the profile of health and well-being in the workplace, organisations can create a culture where employees prioritise their health and make it a part of their daily routine. This can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved morale among employees.
Supportive Solutions Approach
Supportive Solutions can create customised health and well-being programs that are tailored to the specific needs and goals of your employees.
We provide a wide range of mental health and well-being courses including:
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health First Aid
Emotional Intelligence
Understanding and Developing Resilience
Understanding Depression & Anxiety
Understanding Stress & Anxiety
Contact us for further information
