How to evolve a wellbeing offering from a bunch of benefits to a full strategy
However, although offering perks such as free fruit and discounted gym memberships is a welcome gesture for employees, a one-size-fits-all approach only goes so far to supporting their wellbeing – especially because ‘wellbeing’ encompasses far more than just physical health. In fact, only 14 per cent of employees feel as if their employers care about their mental health, and just 9 per cent feel as if their social wellbeing is a priority1. A holistic strategy that covers all aspects of wellbeing is essential to ensure the productivity and effectiveness of a business.
Mental health
Although nowadays there is less of a taboo surrounding mental health, it’s still something that many employees are reluctant to talk about, but the fact remains that in the UK, one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year2. Employees who are suffering from poor mental health are more likely to be unmotivated and unproductive, so it’s crucial for your business to offer adequate support.
Implementing an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable discussing their issues with their line manager is a positive first step, but some may struggle discussing their mental health in a work environment. By also offering off-site mental health support, such as access to a 24/7 counselling and support helpline, employees are likely to feel more comfortable seeking help.
A certain level of stress may be expected in the workplace, but there are steps that your business can take to minimise it, such as offering work-from-home days or flexible working hours, and scheduling regular catch-ups with employees so that they can discuss any issues that they may be facing. Although as an employer you have a duty of care to your employees, going the extra mile to support their mental health means reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
Physical health
Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked, so the physical fitness of your employees should also be a priority. Health screenings that offer tests to assess key health risks – such as BMI, blood glucose testing and blood pressure tests – give employees an overall picture of their current health, allowing them to make positive lifestyle changes accordingly. It also means that you will be better equipped to tailor your business’s wellbeing strategy based around the results, enabling you to provide tailored pathways and preventative health support to your employees.
As exercise is crucial to maintaining good health, the aforementioned discounted gym membership could come in handy – as could introducing staff exercise classes, or encouraging your employees to use their lunch break to go for a walk. Plus, exercise releases endorphins and dopamine, which are linked to increased confidence and happiness.
Although, of course, productivity and bottom lines are vitally important to your business, employees want to be working in an environment that offers them the support that they need to thrive. By empowering your employees to take care of their physical and mental health, your business will be rewarded with a motivated and engaged workforce.
This article is provided by Health Shield.
References
1. The 2018 Global Culture Report, The O.C. Tanner Institute (2018)
2. Adult psychiatric morbidity in England, 2007: results of a household survey, The NHS Information Centre for health and social care (2009)
In partnership with Health Shield
At Health Shield we're passionate about improving people's everyday health.
