business
Tips

5 Ways You Can Support Employee Well-Being

The stigma around mental health and emotional well-being is still a complex subject. While the numbers of individuals dealing with mental illness continue to rise, still fewer are seeking treatment and support. 

The workplace environment can be one significant trigger of emotional stress that employees carry with them throughout the day. By focusing on minimizing the ill-effects of a demanding industry with in-house supportive strategies, employers can help make a difference. 

Why is Supporting Teams and Employees Necessary? 

The phrase, you cannot pour from an empty cup can also apply to the workplace. It is difficult to give energy to something when there is nothing to offer from within. This infamous quote shows how an individual’s emotional well-being can affect every aspect of their life, including the workplace. 

It is no surprise that employers who fully support their staff see benefits in the individuals, which helps the organization overall. Some positive results of a supportive work environment can include: 

  • Better job performance 
  • Take fewer sick days
  • Are loyal to the organization
  • Increased job satisfaction  
  • Are prompt 
  • Less chance of depression, anxiety, and withdrawal

Employers who spend time and resources supporting their staff as a branch management strategy proactively invest in their people. These methods help to solidify a bond and improve workplace connections. Companies that do not spend the time and resources necessary for their staff find a high turnover rate, lower productivity in their employees, and other adverse side effects. 

The Best Way to Support Employees 

Happy employees will do more and perform better for an organization. If there is a way for a company to help support employee well-being successfully, then it should be enforceable at all levels. 

Here are five of the best ways to support employee well-being in the workplace. 

  • Provide mental health awareness and resources
  • Encourage a healthy work-life balance
  • Use active, open communication 
  • Employ staff recognition efforts 
  • Foster empathetic leadership

Provide Mental Health Awareness and Resources

Mental health still requires more awareness, especially in the workplace. Often employees can feel overwhelmed and stressed during busy days or when facing challenges with clients. 

Individuals who are not equipped with the tools to handle increased stress and anxiety will have declined job performance, which can escalate to depression and other substantial issues. 

Making employees aware of the signs that their circumstances are becoming challenging can be a proactive approach. In addition, providing resources, such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a benefits package to cover mental health professional visits can make a significant difference for many individuals. 

Encourage a Healthy Work-Life Balance 

Finding the ideal work-life balance can be challenging for many employees. Often, staff members will feel torn to perform well at work while missing out on time with their friends and family. 

Employers can encourage a healthy work-life balance in several ways to support a better sense of well-being. From offering remote work positions to increasing paid time away for family situations, there are several ways for employers to help their staff to find this balance. 

Shortened workweeks or flexible work hours can mean a world of difference for an employee who has specific child care needs or is responsible for an elderly parent. 

Use Active, Open Communication 

Naturally, keeping the lines of communication open with employees can help foster a better sense of support in the workplace. In addition, employees will feel less stress when facing difficult situations if they feel comfortable enough to approach their management team for help. 

Whether a staff member is falling behind on a project or facing an unforeseen family emergency, employers who maintain open communication with their employees are more supportive overall. 

These individuals will feel connected to the employer and think their needs are heard, providing a better sense of well-being. 

Employ Staff Recognition Efforts 

Often, employees leave positions because they do not feel valued or appreciated. Many individuals just want their employer to see how hard they work at their job and thank them for their efforts. 

Another way employers can improve well-being in the workplace is by employing regular staff recognition efforts. From periodic bonuses or staff appreciation lunches, there are several ways that an organization can let their employees know that they are a valuable part of the team. 

These recognition efforts do not have to be elaborate or expensive, either. For example, an employee of the month or top salesperson awards foster healthy competition between staff members while recognizing the efforts of those hard-working individuals at the organization. 

Foster Empathetic Leadership 

Empathetic leaders in an organization can make or break the company morale. Companies that focus on a branch management strategy with their team that fosters empathy and considers the staff as real people rather than employee numbers create a better work environment. 

Employees want to feel supported and heard when issues happen, whether at work or home. Leaders who can empathize with a difficult situation provide their staff with a supportive environment, and can help to minimize stress and anxiety the employee feels overall. 

Leaders who regularly check in with their subordinates can help boost employee morale and improve productivity. Whether it is to remind staff members to take a brain break from their computer screen or help them seek out additional resources for completing a project, empathetic leaders will support a more positive work environment. 

The Takeaway 

There are many different ways an employer can support their employees’ well-being, both at work and outside the office. When an organization recognizes the need for a supportive work environment, positive results soon follow. 

Encouraging proper mental and physical health care is critical for employees and the management team. When staff members feel supported and valued at work, they perform better and make a more positive workplace environment. 

Naturally, happy workers will also carry a better sense of well-being with them home each day, helping to improve their quality of life overall. In the end, fostering a better understanding of employee well-being benefits everyone.