Workplace well-being: Should it stop being a 'tick box exercise'?

Let’s face it, workplace well-being isn’t always at the top of any HR to-do list. It can sometimes feel like a 'tick box exercise' – get your employees to fill out some surveys and call it a day. But if you truly want to create an environment in which your staff can thrive and be productive then investing in well-being should no longer just be ticking off boxes!

In this article, we'll explore why workplace well-being is more important than ever before and why simply continuing with the tick-box approach won't cut it anymore. So grab yourself a cup of coffee and join us as we dive into the world of employee well-being!

Why ticking boxes won't make employees feel valued

Picture this: You're sitting at your desk, checking off one box after another on some tedious task list. Sure, you may feel a sense of satisfaction as you complete each one, but does it make you feel valued? Doubtful. Unfortunately, ticking boxes has become a default for measuring employee success and worth.

But let's be real here, checking a box doesn't equate to feeling valued or appreciated. It's like receiving a gold star sticker for being able to tie your shoes - it may mean you accomplished something, but it doesn't exactly inspire confidence or motivation. So, instead of just ticking boxes, let's start valuing our employees in ways that truly matter.

Investing in employee well-being - what does that mean in practice?

Investing in employee well-being is essential, but what does it actually mean? It's more than just providing free gym memberships or hosting a company-wide yoga class (although those things are pretty nice). It means taking a holistic approach and focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional health of your employees.

It means offering mental health support and counselling, flexible work schedules to promote work-life balance, and creating a company culture that prioritizes wellness. It might even mean offering healthy snacks and meals in the break room (goodbye stale doughnuts!).

But hey, investing in employee well-being isn't just good for your employees - it's good for your bottom line too. Happier, healthier employees mean increased productivity and fewer sick days. So, let's all invest a little more in our employees' well-being and reap the benefits together!

Don't just focus on physical well-being - mental health is important too

You know how they say "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Well, that's all well and good, but what about your mental health? Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not important.

I mean, imagine having a healthy body but feeling like you're drowning on the inside. Not exactly the "picture of health" we're going for, right? So, let's start treating our brains with the same TLC we give to our bodies. Exercise regularly, take breaks when needed, and don't hesitate to talk to someone if you need to. After all, a healthy mind is just as vital as a healthy body.

Making employees feel appreciated and valued through rewards and recognition

Imagine working at a job where you feel like just another cog in the machine. Stuck in a never-ending cycle of work, eat, sleep, repeat. Sure, the paycheque helps, but there's always that little voice in the back of your head saying, "Is this all there is?". That's why it's important for employers to show appreciation and recognition for the hard work their employees put in.

It doesn't have to be a fancy trophy or an all-expenses-paid trip to Greece (although we wouldn't say no to that). A simple "thank you" or "great job" can go a long way. And let's be honest, a little recognition is the closest most of us will ever get to feeling like employee of the month. So come on, bosses - show your employees some love and they'll reciprocate in engagement. Plus, it's way cheaper than sending them to Greece.

Invest in the right technology to support employee well-being

Have you ever tried to use a rotary phone in the age of iPhones? Yeah, it doesn't work out too well. Just like you need the right technology to make a phone call, you also need the right technology to support employee well-being. Whether it's incorporating wellness apps, standing desks, or even just updating your Wi-Fi, investing in the right tech can make all the difference.

After all, happy and healthy employees not only make for a better work environment but also contribute to a more successful company. So, let's ditch the rotary phones of employee well-being and upgrade to the new iPhone. Trust me, your employees will thank you for it.

Implement flexible working practices to reduce stress and increase productivity

Hey there, fellow workaholics! Are you feeling the strain of a packed schedule and a never-ending to-do list? Do you spend your nights tossing and turning, wondering how you'll ever finish everything on time? Fear not, my stressed-out friends! Implementing flexible working practices could be the solution to all your problems.

By allowing employees to work from home or adjust their schedules, you'll reduce stress levels and increase productivity. And who knows? Maybe you'll even get to spend a little extra time in your pyjamas. So, let's all take a deep breath, kick off our shoes and work smarter, not harder. Who's with me?

Investing in employee well-being does more than just look good on paper: it creates an environment where employees feel respected and valued and one where they are supported with the right workplace strategies and tools.

By understanding why traditional performance management isn’t enough to effectively support your staff, you can look for innovative ways to reward and recognise them. Evidence shows that providing flexible working arrangements and investing in technology can help reduce pressures of work-related stress while considering their mental health needs will enable more supportive conversations. All of these changes require strategic planning but they can pay off in a big way with long-term gains for your business.