In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, workplace wellbeing has emerged as a critical area of focus. Corporate wellness programs have existed since the late 1800s and have undergone significant changes in recent times. What was once considered a “nice-to-have” perk has now evolved into a “must-have” benefit for employers looking to attract and retain top talent.
Although corporate wellness programs can effectively improve employee health, they should not be solely relied upon.
Organisations can have all the innovative and trendy benefits on offer, but it is key they take a deep dive into the wellbeing of their people and address the root cause of health issues in their workplace. This article explores the prevention of stress and burnout.
There are several statistics that allude to the effect stress has on workplace wellness.
- Create a supportive workplace where staff feel it is okay to speak up, without the fear of being perceived as unable to cope or perform.
- Talk to your staff openly and be flexible about how you can support them best, e.g. changes in duties, offering flexible hours, opportunities for leave etc.
- Educate staff on ways to approach stress – looking after your wellbeing, identifying stressors and finding solutions that help resolve the causes of stress.
- If you are a manager, it’s important to understand the impact of stress not only on yourself, but also the trickle-down effect it creates on your team. Seeking support and asking for help is OK.
- If your current ways of working are causing a lot of stress, this is a signal for change. Assess if you and your staff are focusing on the right priorities. Perhaps, it might be time to put new systems in place or change the ones that are no longer working.
- Sustained, or high levels of work-related stress can lead to burnout. People who are burnt out often feel negative or cynical and are unable to perform to their best.
- Keep your workload and capacity in balance, e.g. planning your work, delegating tasks, and saying no when you have too much on your plate.
- Feeling out of control – a lack of autonomy, and inadequate resources impact your ability to succeed at what you are doing. Consider how you can regain control over your environment.
- Investing time and energy in strengthening the bonds you share with your team and creating a sense of community is essential to feeling supported.
- After delivering something highly demanding, try switching to a less complex task. Swapping between tasks of varying difficulty can be an excellent way to regain balance and give yourself a break.
- Mental breaks – we sometimes feel unable to stop, but taking time out for yourself is crucial to your wellbeing and will ultimately benefit your performance.
- Physical breaks – stress and tension take their toll. Recognising times when you are most stressed or anxious can help. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful to reset and regain focus.
Businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of employee wellness and embedding it firmly within the culture of the business rather than viewing as a tick box exercise.
Employers who have shifted their focus to the core health issues of their workforce, show genuine care and understanding as to the importance of a healthy workforce as a key basis to employment.
By nurturing these aspects, organisations can not only enhance employee satisfaction but also boost productivity, foster a positive workplace culture, and retain top talent.
Related: The cost of recruitment
