Workplace wellbeing and the power of positive mental health
With a recent Microsoft survey reporting that many members of the workforce – particularly Gen Z – are facing chronic workplace stress, the time is now to shine a spotlight on employee wellbeing and mental health.
As we have seen, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed everything we know dramatically. With our heightened emphasis on our physical health, it’s easy to forget how important our mental health and wellbeing are.
In our final blog in the Great Resignation and Rethinking Recruitment Series, we’d like to share some tips about how you can create a happier, healthier workforce.
How can you support your staff?
While positive mental health has been a key focus in the wake of the pandemic, workplace wellbeing has long been a focus for employees. A Harvard Business Review report from 2019 found that the most commonly desired workplace mental health resources were a more open and accepting culture, clearer information about where to go or whom to ask for support, and training.
Set clear objectives. Make sure that employees know exactly what is – and is not – expected of them by making their responsibilities and objectives clear, not only amongst your existing staff but also in your recruitment advertising. In addition, with digital burnout on the rise and employees feeling that they must be present 24/7, it is critical that boundaries are set in place and respected.
Ensure adequate training is provided. Continuous development and training are key to ensuring that employees hone their skills and succeed in their tasks, leading, in turn, to increased confidence and a boost in positivity and productivity.
Communicate. With stigma still preventing many from being open and honest about mental health issues in the workplace, it’s essential that you create clear and open lines of communication with your employees. Talk about mental health in the workplace and educate staff about the importance of maintaining positive mental health.
Offer support. Not only is it crucial that employees feel comfortable discussing their stress and mental health in the workplace, but it’s also vital that they know whom they can turn to for help. Being present, checking in with your staff and colleagues, and making sure that if support systems such as employee assistance programmes are available, your staff know about them are all helpful ways of showing support.
Embrace mindfulness. With a recent Slack study reporting that a third of UK workers are looking for a more mindful workplace culture, think about offering your employees access to mindfulness and meditation apps. Headspace for Work, for example, offers mindfulness programmes that lead to healthier organisations from the inside out.
Offer flexible working. As we touched on in our previous blog in this series, flexible, hybrid and remote working options are significant perks in the current climate. Offering flexibility will allow employees to improve their work/life balance, which will lead to increased productivity.
A stronger emphasis on mental health in the workplace is paramount. Combine this emphasis with a renewed focus on your benefits and a rejuvenated approach to recruitment, and we’re confident that your organisation can turn this period of challenge into one of opportunity. If you need help along the way, simply contact us.
Stay in touch
This blog concludes our series and we hope you’ve found the information helpful. Of course, we’d love for you to stay in touch. Simply follow us on social media to stay up-to-date and receive more recruitment hints and tips.
