Prioritizing employee well-being is the key to a positive culture

Creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and connected is critical for building a positive organizational culture. Companies who prioritize the workplace experience and create a positive culture see a boost in employee morale and engagement, which ultimately drives success and sustainable growth for the organization.

Recent studies have shown that improving employee wellbeing and investing in corporate culture can significantly impact employee satisfaction. So, Circles U.S. conducted a survey on LinkedIn to our over 7,500 followers, and asked:

What do you believe is the most effective way to enhance employee wellbeing and engagement at work?

We offered these answer choices:

1. Embrace and embed DEI

2. Prioritize employee wellbeing

3. Psychologically safe workspace

4. Other: tell us in comments

The results are in: prioritizing employee well-being emerged as the clear winner with an overwhelming 89% of respondents in favor of this approach. Considering the shift towards remote work and the continued challenges posed by the global pandemic, supporting and prioritizing employee wellbeing benefits within organizations has never been more apparent.

To actionize those results, here are six trending ways employers can prioritize staff wellbeing and provide employee well-being benefits that will make a huge impact:

1. Build a Supportive Organizational Culture

Cultivating a supportive and inclusive organizational culture, where employees feel valued, respected, and heard, can significantly impact their wellbeing by fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the workplace.

Examples of this could include:

• Establishing open and transparent communication channels for employee feedback
• Implementing diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives
• Formalizing recognition programs to show employee appreciation all year
• Providing mentorship opportunities to demonstrate your investment in employee growth
• Promoting workplace well-being initiatives that prioritize work-life balance

2. Extend Coverage to Mental Health Support

Providing access to mental health resources, counseling services, or employee assistance programs as part of a holistic health management strategy can help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues right along with their physical health.

Examples of this could include:

• Encouraging use of an Employee Assistance Program (EAPs) as a mental health resource
• Allowing mental health days off, either enterprise-wide, or better yet, as needed
• Providing mental health training and workshops for both manager and employee
• Offering access to therapy services as part of company health benefits coverage
• Establishing mental health and support networks to instill a sense of community

3. Offer Health and Wellness Programs

Implementing wellness programs that focus on physical health, nutrition, mindfulness, and fitness can promote a healthier lifestyle among employees, leading to improved well-being.

Examples of this could include:

• Providing on-site fitness classes and reimbursing gym memberships
• Offering nutrition programs and healthy eating counselling
• Conducting mindfulness and stress reduction workshops
• Scheduling on-site health screenings and wellness assessments
• Promoting enterprise-wide wellness challenges with incentives

4. Promote Work-Life Balance Initiatives

Encouraging boundaries between work and personal life, promoting time off and breaks, and discouraging overwork can prevent burnout and foster a healthier work-life balance for employees.

Examples of this could include:

• Encouraging breaks and self-care
• Setting clear work boundaries and expectations, like limiting after work emails
• Creating team building and social events to connect employees and foster inclusion
• Offering stress management resources like webinars, workshops and mental health resources
• Publishing time-off policies that provide ample vacation time to encourage self-care

5. Allow for Flexible Work Arrangements

Embracing flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible scheduling, allows employees to better balance work and personal commitments, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

Examples of this could include:

• Offering remote work options either part-time or full-time
• Implementing flexible scheduling like variable working hours or compressed workweeks
• Considering job sharing where two employees share a single full-time position
• Designating specific remote workdays, to facilitate planning and efficiencies
• Granting unlimited Paid Time Off *(PTO) allows employees to manage their commitments better

6. Provide Professional Development Opportunities

Investing in employees' growth and development through training, mentorship programs, and skill-building initiatives not only enhances their job satisfaction but also contributes to their overall well-being.

Examples of this could include:

• Offering regular training and workshops to enhance their skills
• Encouraging cross-training to help employees gain experience in other roles
• Facilitating mentorship and reverse mentorship opportunities to exchange knowledge and experiences
• Providing career development planning to smooth a path for future leaders
• Supporting employees participation in professional events, memberships and conferences

By incorporating these trending strategies, employers can proactively prioritize staff wellbeing, creating a more positive and fulfilling work environment for their employees.

As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, emphasizing employee well-being is not just a trend but a strategic imperative that can drive employee engagement, retention, and ultimately, organizational success.