Supporting employee well-being fuels a thriving culture

Organizations who provide practical support initiatives such as wellness programs, mental health resources and on-site amenities demonstrate a genuine concern for employees' holistic well-being. By addressing employees' diverse needs and providing tangible support to help their workforce achieve work-life balance, employers can create a supportive, thriving culture that fosters a sense of belonging and care.

This holistic approach to employee well-being goes beyond superficial perks, showing a commitment to employees' overall health and happiness. By promoting work-life balance through practical support, employees feel more valued, motivated, and empowered to manage their personal and professional obligations effectively, leading to increased job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and higher productivity. Ultimately, prioritizing practical support for employees contributes to creating a positive workplace experience that respects and supports the well-being and work-life balance of all employees.

Improving the Employee Experience

Providing additional resources and programs beyond traditional HR benefits improves the employee experience by supporting employees work-life balance. Delivering mental health support, relevant employee benefits and amenities, and offering wellness programs show employees they are valued and an important asset to the organization.

Here are a few practical programs that support employee well-being:

1) Mental health support programs may be relevant for many employees — The American Institute of Stress reported that 83% of U.S. workers suffer daily from work-related stress. Implementing work-life balance initiatives will directly help improve employee well-being and reduce stress. Three examples:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide confidential counseling and referral services to employees dealing with personal or work-related issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, etc. These programs typically offer short-term counseling as well as resources for longer-term support.
• Mental health awareness workshops or training sessions educate employees on recognizing signs of mental health issues, reducing stigma, managing stress and accessing available resources for support.
• Wellness Initiatives that focus on mental health can include activities like mindfulness meditation sessions, yoga classes and stress management workshops.

2) Lifestyle amenities and benefits that support employees’ varied lifestyles acknowledges what your workforce needs in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Forbes notes that employees continue to demand meaningful benefits like work-life balance programs to help them manage their personal and work lives. So long pizza party, hello errand running services.

The amenities that work best for your organization may vary depending on the demographic and life circumstances of your employees so it’s best to ask for feedback before making decisions based on guesses or assumptions. Three examples:

• Lifestyle perks such as free or subsidized meals, pet-friendly offices and on-site services like laundry or childcare enhance the overall quality of life for employees.
• On-site amenities like fitness facilities, recreational areas, or relaxation spaces can provide employees with convenient access to relaxation and stress-relief activities during their workday.
• Personalized programs cater to the needs of diverse populations, with niche benefits and events that focus on, for example, saving time. For instance, on-site car wash and oil changes, notary services and prepared, take-home meals.

3) Wellness programs improve overall employee health, holistically, as well as enhance productivity and satisfaction. Offering these types of programs are practical and embraced because they support employee well-being.  Four examples:

• Physical wellness programs focus on promoting physical health and fitness through initiatives such as gym memberships, fitness challenges, onsite workout facilities, and exercise classes. Encouraging regular physical activity can lead to improved overall health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
• Mental health and stress management initiatives aimed at supporting mental well-being can include access to counseling services, mindfulness and meditation workshops, stress-reduction seminars, and resources for coping with work-related stress. Addressing mental health concerns can enhance employee productivity and satisfaction.
• Nutritional wellness programs provide education on healthy eating habits, nutritional counseling, access to healthy food options, and weight management support. Emphasizing proper nutrition can lead to better energy levels, reduced absenteeism, and improved overall health.
• Financial wellness benefits can include resources for financial planning, retirement savings programs, budgeting workshops, and access to financial counseling. Supporting employees' financial well-being can reduce stress and provide a sense of preparedness.

Encouraging a healthy work-life balance requires employers to consider various contributing factors such as workload, well-being, socializing, restoration, and more. Taking a comprehensive, holistic approach shows employees that you value them as human beings, which makes them feel supported — which translates into better engagement and more motivation.