By Iman Ahmed
It's May month and in ode to Workers day, Team DLK is focusing on Employee wellness in the workspace.
It's becoming more essential than ever because businesses have finally recognized the power it has to transform their employees' lives, reduce costs associated with absenteeism and healthcare, and foster a healthy company culture. The COVID-19 outbreak has undoubtedly placed a greater emphasis on mental health than ever before, leading to greater understanding and empathy in the future.
The significance of employee well-being
Employee well-being has been elevated to the top of the corporate priority list. The pandemic has highlighted the growing importance of workplace well-being, with more businesses beginning to invest in the health and well-being of their employees. Both the employee and the company benefit from workplace wellness. Below are a few tips that can be implemented to encourage employee wellness in your company:
Ergonomics
Ergonomics aims to reduce the physical stress and resulting injuries associated with working, such as overuse injuries, poor posture, and more serious musculoskeletal disorders.
One of the most important advantages of office ergonomics is the ability to work faster, which increases productivity. Employees are less tired as a result of the reduction in stress in pressure points and specific areas of the body. This results in fewer errors, which increases productivity.
Ergonomics aims to reduce the physical stress and resulting injuries associated with working, such as overuse injuries, poor posture, and more serious musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomics seeks to reduce such injuries by designing workspaces, tools, tasks, and equipment that aid in workers' physical health. Ergonomics seeks to ensure that human needs for safe and efficient work are met in the design of organizational systems. Getting a workplace evaluation or ergonomic training can significantly reduce the likelihood of occupational injuries.
Get some Fresh Air
Taking regular breaks can help alleviate the stress of constant screentime. Going outside to get some fresh air is critical because employees require it.
Health examination
Offering health screenings once a year is an excellent way for your employees to address any health concerns they may have. It also significantly improves the chances of disease prevention because diseases can be detected at an early stage.
Medical insurance
You should provide health insurance to your employees as a benefit. What matters most is that you provide multiple insurance options to your employees so that they can select the one that best meets their specific needs.
Fitness centre membership
Gym membership is an excellent employee well-being benefit that will not only make you an appealing employer but will also assist your employees in staying fit. Going to the gym can also help your employees reduce stress and are a great way to keep them healthy.
Adopt an Employee well-being program
Introducing health initiatives such as a company-wide running or cycling competition is a great way to not only get your employees physically active but also to develop their competitiveness and team spirit.
Apps for mental health
There are many mindfulness and meditation apps you can investigate and recommend to your staff members if you believe they would benefit from them. Help your employees find such apps and explain how beneficial meditation and mindfulness can be in their daily lives and stress management.
Psychological counselling services
Offering psychological counselling services sends a message to your employees that their mental health is also important to them. The stigma associated with seeking psychological assistance will be reduced, and your employees will have access to mental health experts who can assist them.
Workplace flexibility
When you offer flexible working hours or remote work options, you improve your employees' work-life balance. Only 8% of employees believe work-life balance is less important than compensation, according to research. Furthermore, given the growing popularity of working remotely, this is one of the simplest and most desired employee wellness benefits your company could provide. A one-day Work From home policy would eliminate office burnout and save money on petrol/diesel. We have all seen how Covid19 transitioned us all into remote working.
Financial Benefits
Many employees nowadays request life insurance, pension plans, or student loan repayment options. Helping your employees make sound financial decisions for the future can also make you a more appealing employer.
Employee well-being initiatives based on employee feedback
Because every company is unique, you could begin by polling your employees to determine which employee wellness initiatives they would find most beneficial. You can also examine your employees' mental states when it comes to workplace stress factors.
Conclusion
Employers will soon learn that some of the above-mentioned points are not a luxury, but a necessity. Employee wellness benefits will become more diverse in the future. The costs of employee disengagement, absenteeism, and healthcare are too high to ignore. As a result, employers will gradually recognize the potential in employee well-being and begin to care for their employees' mental, physical, and financial well-being.
- Iman Ahmed (Operations Consultant at DLK Group)