Recognition and praise – It might seem obvious but as work gets busier and more demanding managers and leaders are more likely to miss the opportunities to show they value their staff. This issue can be even more acute where staff are remote working e.g. home
support services. Recognition can take the form of personal thanks and praise through to public recognition or even awards or additional payments. The recognition need not be expensive, but it does have to be regular. Regular recognition will contribute towards a positive wellbeing culture in the team.
Talking about it … It’s never a problem – Encouraging a culture where wellbeing, both mental and physical is commonly discussed at work can never be a problem. A wellbeing culture gives employees the confidence to discuss issues they may be facing at an early stage and positively affect sickness and absence.
You should leave that at home! – We have all worked in organisations that believe what happens at home shouldn’t be brought into the workplace however what happens at work often directly has an impact on work. Issues at home can have a direct effect on employee performance, attitude, time keeping, sickness and in work relationships so it pays to make space to discuss the wider issues of employee wellbeing.
Make space for groups – There is plenty of evidence that creating a sense of belonging and sharing common purpose can improve workplace wellbeing. Employees working at an office, a care setting or any other fixed base may find it easier to get together over a coffee, a short team meeting or a shared lunch, its much harder for staff working remotely in the community but it is important, and it will help connect staff to each other and the workplace.
Encourage staff to keep active – Promote the idea of lunchtime walks, or after-shift walks, make it fun, set a challenge around staff keeping active. Talk to the local gym and find out if they have any offers e.g. reduced membership or encourage staff to make use of the discounts in CV card or the Blue Light Card to keep fit and active.
Create a wellbeing environment – Encourage fresh air and natural light wherever possible some studies claim people exposed to natural light have a 15% higher level of wellbeing than those who work in other environments. Bright environments make everyone feel better so if curtains are closed or windows are blocked do what you reasonably can to increase light. Plants improve mood … but make sure someone takes responsibility for watering them! Pictures and art brighten up the environment but move them around to maintain interest. Finally try and make space and remove clutter and for office staff why not introduce a standing desk.
Learn a new skill or hobby – Encourage staff to stay mentally challenged by learning a new skill, a new hobby, explore mindfulness techniques, read or just do something different every week. Why not set up a process where staff can share their plans and tell other staff what they are personally doing to keep mentally well. Many wellbeing organisations are adaptable and will happily visit the workplace if there is enough demand why not introduce something like Yoga for the staff team or armchair exercise sessions for the residents and service users.
Measure workplace happiness! – It's easy for managers and leaders to measure their team in terms of their performance but in the care sector where staff retention is such an issue a happy and healthy team is more likely to stay together and perform better. Happy teams support each other and actively embrace a more wellbeing focused workplace. Setting a “happiness” goal in the team plan might feel a little strange at first but this is one goal you can really engage with the team to set and define how you would measure a “healthy and happy” team.
You are what you eat! – As an employer you can use food to help improve the health and wellbeing of your teams by just adopting a few little workplace hacks. Stock up the fruit bowl, leave healthy snacks in communal areas and why not a stock of herbal or fruit teas in the kitchen. Donuts and cookies might be a welcome treat but try not to make them the norm.
