5 Ways to Improve Employee Wellness in Workplace

 

An employee's mental health and well-being are paramount in determining office productivity. Many times, these parameters are overlooked in a workplace scenario. Overstressed and burnout employees significantly contribute towards employee turnover. High employee turnover rates can be costly for companies as it involves recurrent recruitment and training processes. Here are five ways to improve employee wellness in workplace.

 

1)      Productivity tools -  There are many productivity tools available in the market which are intended to improve employee wellness. I want to mention four digital tools that are aimed at enhancing productivity. And they are:

 

·         Freedom – The Freedom app enables employees to improve their focus and attention by blocking websites and apps for a particular timeframe on various devices. It helps employees avoid various distractions and concentrate better on their tasks. The Freedom app is widely known as “website blocker” among the users. The app creates a distraction-free environment by syncing the blocks across all devices, be it a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The users may use the app at any time or schedule the “block” in advance. Yes, as the name suggests, the app provides more control and freedom to the users.

·         Headspace – Headspace is an all-day app and is not confined to the workspace alone. Moreover, it is a “feel-good” platform focusing on mindfulness, focus, and breathing. The app helps to bring down stress and improve sleep. It helps the users revitalize their energy levels, manage their thoughts and feelings, and improve overall productivity. It’s a must-use for all the “spirituality-seekers” out there.

·         Noisli -   Noisli is advertised as “your digital place for focus”. If noise from the surroundings is what distracts you the most, you may try using Noisli. Noisli offers various background sounds that prevent distractions of multiple sorts and helps you focus better. You may even use multiple backgrounds, customize the sounds based on your preferences, and immerse yourself in the most productive, creative best with Noisli.

·         Workflowy – Workflowy serves as a perfect alternative for apps like Sticky notes or Notepad. The app helps you store and organize the To-do list in a highly effective and organized manner. The formatting option helps users create separate lists based on their nature. The “tags” feature facilitates effortless collaboration with team members. Keeping your work organized enables you to save precious time and improve productivity.

 

2)      HR Kiosks – HR kiosks or Employee self-service kiosks serve as a critical link between the employees and the HR department. Deploying HR kiosks provide non-IT employees or employees who do not have access to computers, the most-needed access to HR services. Employees that work in various departments and are separated geographically can feel “connected” to the company via HR kiosks. Moreover, HR kiosks help employees access HR resources avoiding delays. This serves as a morale-booster for employees and gives them the feeling that they are “heard”.

       

3)      Mental health sessions or programs for employees – Mental health programs help in a great way to eliminate workplace stress and anxiety among employees. Employees may team up into support groups of two members per group and offer mutual support and assistance. The company may set specific dates exclusively for mental health, in which the employees may take leave or take time to reorganize.  Relaxation trips or tour programs help employees to recharge their “batteries” and rejuvenate themselves. Organizing occasional stress management workshops educates employees on relaxation, healthy eating habits, fitness plans, breathing techniques, workplace communication, etc. Industry experts and motivational speakers can offer valuable input to the employees in this regard.

4)      Employee recognition – To be accepted, recognized or appreciated is an instinct for every human, be it in the workplace or family.  Employee recognition can go a long way in improving the individual's overall well-being. Employers can find ways to appreciate, even if it is a small achievement.

  Organizing a quick team meeting to address the achievement can be rewarding for employees. Face-to-face interactions and casual discussions with employees can uplift their mood. Offering performance-related bonuses, gifts, and employee awards makes them feel that they are being recognized. “Best performer of the month” or “Employee of the month” awards are typical in most workplaces.

 Most importantly, the efforts for employee recognition should not be implemented just for the sake of it. Employee recognition should be part of the work culture. Communication with a positive intent matters the most. 

5)      Group activities and games – The employer may implement games and other activities as a work routine. Indoor office games like charades, marshmallow challenge, scavenger hunt can help employees relax and recharge themselves. Organizing birthday parties of employees, becoming part of social responsibility campaigns, and planning outdoor games or tournaments can immensely help employees.

 Indulging in recreational activities works in the employees' favour and helps release feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin. Studies claim creative folks are at their best after releasing these feel-good hormones. Allotting an indoor space or room exclusively for recreational activities and medication can hugely benefit the employees. The space is a relaxation area to disconnect from work and do the most needful “recharge”.

 

6)      Ergonomic office furniture - Ergonomic office furniture is necessary to improve office productivity and the general well-being of the employees. If you are planning to move to a new office or would like to upgrade the existing one, consider the office ergonomics too. Here are some of the evident benefits in terms of health and productivity.

 

·         Health – Sitting for hours can cause muscle aches or strains and may cause joint pain. Ergonomic chairs are designed to reduce stress and tension in critical body areas like the back and neck.

·         Productivity – Office ergonomics has a lot to do with productivity. Inadequate comfort, improper alignment, and defective design – can all hamper productivity to a great extent.

 

Suppose an employee spends 8 hours daily in a particular work environment, which means one-third of the day is consumed as part of work. People spend a significant percentage of their time as an employee. Therefore, employee wellness has a remarkable effect on work and the overall personal well-being of the individual.

Work-related stress can impact employees' personal lives and may interfere with relationships and family. Therefore, employee wellness is a significant aspect that needs much introspection and consideration.  A high degree of employee wellness improves the employee's self-esteem, confidence and morale. And a happy, satisfied employee is an asset for every company. The benefits come in multiple ways, like reduced turnover rates, a healthy job environment, and improved business stability.