Every thriving business organization owes much of its success to dedicated and loyal employees. It is particularly important then for organizations to pay attention to the wellness of their employees. When employees feel valued and know that their contribution to the organization’s success is recognized then they will be willing to go beyond the call of duty. Employee wellness goes beyond an excellent salary package. An employee is a complete person and so the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees is important for the advancement of any organization.
Physical Environment
The workspace that is provided for the employees can affect general output. A cramped and uncomfortable work area can affect the state of mind of the employees. Employees must have a dedicated workspace so that they can feel a sense of belonging. The physical space should be large enough to accommodate the number of staff without infringement on another worker’s space. The company must ensure that the designated work area has clean, comfortable, and attractive furniture. All essential work accessories must be available to the employees. Wall décor should be attractive, and plants used to create green spaces.
Create a Friendly Workspace
Many workers operate in a very hostile environment. Ongoing conflicts are left unresolved, and the atmosphere is always tense so it difficult for employees to
function. The onus is on all stakeholders, not just the employer to help to improve the workspace. Management and senior personnel should encourage an open-door policy to encourage employees at all levels to air grievances. Employees should not be belittled or made to feel insignificant. When healthy relationships are encouraged in the workplace there will be no room for discord or disunity as problems are resolved quickly.
Provide opportunities for staff development
Many companies realize that allowing staff to advance themselves through educational and other programs will aid the organization’s growth. Of course, employers are concerned about spending large sums of money to develop their staff and then they leave to give their skills to other competitors. All staff will not stay until retirement, but there will be far less staff turnover if employees know their value and are often validated by their organization. Organizations must invest in their staff through mentorship, educational advancement, providing scope for promotions, and staff welfare programs.
Establish A Wellness Program
Large corporations provide facilities such as gyms and staff canteens for their staff. These additional benefits help to promote good health. However, smaller entities may not be able to afford such luxuries. Still, there must be a plan to help the employees so that they will want to stay on board, growing with the company. Employees should get vacation time or rest breaks when necessary. Even if the company does not have the resources for extravagant wellness programs, when employees recognize that something is being done to improve their welfare, even on a small scale, they will show appreciation.
Build Cohesiveness
Too many persons believe that they should avoid getting close to their co-workers. While there must be established boundaries that are respected by everyone, effort must also be made to build healthy relationships. Some persons spend more time on the job than they do at home! So, employers can unite the staff by encouraging them to assist in giving back to the communities. In this way, employees will learn to work together outside of the work environment.
Encourage Social Interactions
While staff parties and other social activities cannot be organized with the same abandon as in the past, creative ways should be found to encourage social networking. Online group sessions can be conducted to talk, play games, or engage in other social interventions. Where it is possible to organize group activities, these should be arranged so that staff can get stress relief and help them to balance their lives.
An organization cannot meet its objectives to expand without committed, healthy, and loyal employees. The well-being of all employees should be an ongoing concern. Organizations should not only seek to improve the salaries and benefits of their staff but should also be on the lookout for opportunities to improve staff wellness. A healthy and happy staff will go a long way in propelling the organization towards ultimate success.
