The importance of self-care is often overlooked in places of employment. With everyone so busy these days, everyone is in a constant state of stress, which can be terrible for mental and physical health. This can be bad for business, too! Employees who feel stressed, frustrated, and overworked might not be as productive or feel inclined to use their full potential. Fortunately, business owners like you have a lot of influence over staff’s wellbeing. Check out the following tips from Insightlink to create a culture of self-care in your workplace!
Schedule Healthy Work Activities
Start by looking for ways to normalize self-care among your employees. At first, your employees may be hesitant to step away from their work to engage in
healthy activities. Scheduling a few fun workplace events is a great way to get the ball rolling! Rewarding your employees with fun activities can create a welcoming and lively atmosphere in your workplace. Schedule some healthy group activities like a yoga class, outdoor sports game, or a
wellness challenge to show your employees that you care about their health.
Encourage Employees to Use Their Benefits
As a care provider, offering
wellness benefits is one of the best ways to show your employees that their health is important to you. For example, you could subsidize gym memberships, yoga sessions, massage vouchers, and online therapy for your employees. Unfortunately, getting your employees to use their benefits isn’t always easy. Because many employees don’t understand their benefits, CareerBuilder suggests
educating your employees on their benefits and explaining exactly how they can get the most out of them.
Redesign Your Workplace for Wellness
Workplace décor and ergonomics can also play a role in employee self-care. Make sure your employee workstations are set up
ergonomically to reduce strain and stiffness. It may be worthwhile to invest in better office chairs or get a few standing desks for the office. Lighting can also have an effect on employee wellbeing. Evaluate the
lighting in your workspace and consider making improvements to reduce eyestrain, headaches, and mental fatigue. You may even want to invest in some
live plants to absorb ambient noise, improve focus and enhance everyone’s mood.
Offer Additional Days Off
If you can swing it, consider offering office staff a half-day every Friday. Some offices do this, or they even offer three-day weekends, and remain closed every Friday. This sort of set up will make it easier for your employees to keep their stress levels under control, make time for self-care, and achieve that elusive work-life balance.
Establish Clear Boundaries
Inner Journeys Counseling points out that
setting clear boundaries is another important element of self-care, both for you and your staff. Allowing your employees to leave their work at the office and unplug when they get home will give them space to care for their mental and physical wellbeing. Encourage your employees to come to you if they’re feeling overworked. They shouldn’t have to take charting home and spend their free time getting caught up!
Also, try not to bother your employees when they’re out of the office. Requiring that employees respond to after-hour emails can contribute to chronic stress and burnout. Every employee needs a change to break away and unwind, which should always include a good night’s sleep. Encourage workers to take a sleep test if they’re having trouble resting.
Fostering a culture of self-care in your workplace is a great way to start your business off on the right foot. Employees who feel like you care about their wellbeing will be happier working for you and eager to help your company succeed. Start planning your employee wellbeing initiatives today so you can establish a positive and healthy work environment for everyone at your business.
ABOUT
