Prioritising employee wellbeing: Top tips for keeping your workforce happy

In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, where not only has remote working become the norm for many organisations, but 80% of the world’s workforce is deskless , understanding how to prioritise the wellbeing of employees wherever they work from is crucial.

Our recent research found wellbeing to be HR’s second highest priority for 2024, climbing an impressive 5 places since 2023, with this shift is largely attributed to the changing economic climate and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. So, what steps can organisations take to support their teams? How can you enhance your team's wellbeing and ultimately boost their happiness?

On this year’s International Day of Happiness, we delve into six key strategies your organisation can embrace to prioritise wellbeing, regardless of where each individual works. By adopting these strategies, you'll create a much happier and more resilient workforce.

Promote a work-life balance

You’ve heard it before, but we’re here to tell you again. Encouraging work-life balance is vital when building a healthy work environment and keeping your people happy, no matter how or where people work from.

Offering flexible work arrangements, such as work from home options or flexible scheduling, allows employees to better manage their personal and professional responsibilities. Additionally, implementing policies that discourage overworking and prioritise time off can prevent burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance.?

Recognise employees regularly, and celebrate their achievements

Research by Globoforce found that employees who receive regular recognition in the form of praise or small rewards, are up to eight times more engaged than those who receive a yearly bonus.

The simple gesture of saying “thank you” can go a really long way. It doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture or a thanks for solely larger or more difficult projects – just make sure good work is being recognised and celebrated, because it plays a significant role in how employees perceive their workplace and how they feel about it.

Provide mental health support

Keeping a strong focus on employees' mental health is crucial in today's fast-paced work environment. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization , 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder? And shockingly, depression and anxiety alone account for a staggering 12 billion lost working days every year.

To help your team navigate challenges and maintain positive wellbeing, implement initiatives like regular check-ins, mental health awareness training, and access to counselling services. These efforts create a supportive culture where every team member feels valued and understood.

Additionally, provide easily accessible online resources on stress management, mindfulness, and resilience. Whether it's through your shared drive or external links, these resources empower individuals to explore additional support options. It's all about promoting proactive self-care and ensuring your team's overall mental wellbeing.

Communicate!

Creating a sense of belonging and connection within the workplace plays a significant role in fostering employee happiness, regardless of whether they're working remotely, in a traditional office, or a combination of both. The more everyone gets to know each other, the better they will be able to collaborate – a win-win situation!?

By organising team-building activities, collaborative projects, regular team meetings, and even after-hour social events, you'll be providing opportunities for social interaction and team bonding. These initiatives help employees feel connected and engaged with their colleagues, strengthening relationships, and enhancing overall workplace satisfaction.

Invest in their learning and development

When employees are given the chance to grow, be supported, and encouraged in honing their skills and expertise, they tend to find more fulfilment in their roles and become more committed to your organisation. On the flip side, neglecting these opportunities can leave them feeling lost and less engaged.

That's why it's crucial to provide avenues for professional development – not only to boost employee satisfaction but also to ensure their long-term retention. By investing in initiatives like training programs, mentorship opportunities, and pathways for career advancement, you're showing a genuine commitment to nurturing employees' ongoing success within the company.

Last, but by no means least – take the time to understand your team

In many organisations, leaders tend to make decisions without seeking input from employees, which can leave them feeling excluded and overlooked. This approach not only risks creating dissatisfaction among the workforce but also puts the organisation at risk of losing valuable talent.

When determining what employees want from your organisation, it's essential to actively listen and solicit their feedback. Involving employees in the decision-making process from the outset demonstrates that you value their input and opinions, fostering a sense of inclusion and making them feel heard.