The bedrock of a successful business is its people. The wellbeing of employees plays an intricate role in how an organisation? functions. Employee wellness is a multi-faceted concept and refers to the overall physical, social, mental and financial wellbeing of employees. This can have an impact on their stress levels, productivity, motivation and ultimately the progress of the organisation.
Leaders have a critical role to play in the wellbeing of their employees. For instance, the way in which a leader communicates and interacts with their employees has a significant effect on whether the workforce is motivated or withdrawn. Effective leadership can reduce stress in the workplace and improve morale within the employees.?
Here are some ways leaders can address the wellbeing of their employees:
- Open communication? - Employees must feel comfortable and safe inorder to communicate in an open and honest manner expressing their thoughts and feelings. This can be accomplished by having leaders who are transparent and open about their own experiences.
- Flexible approach : Leaders can’t approach employee wellbeing with a one-size-fits all approach. Every employee's battles look different. Being aware of the individual circumstances of each employee (to the extent possible) can ensure that they get the right kind of support.?
- Acknowledgement of achievements - Recognising and acknowledgment of employees milestones and achievements can help improve employee morale and boost how satisfied they feel in the workplace.?
- Work-life balance - Leaders should encourage their employees to have a work-life balance. Modifications in policies related to working hours and leaves can be made such as including flexitime.
- Positive work culture - Leaders can foster a positive work culture by encouraging teamwork, promoting creativity and maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace.
- Feedback and Mentoring - Leaders can provide feedback and coaching by offering guidance, and to help their employees upskill themselves and advance in their careers.?
- Encouraging self-care - Leaders can encourage employees to prioritise their self-care. Simple initiatives such as adequate breaks, regular meals and spaces to relax during the workday can go a long way.
- Setting a good example : Leaders serve as role models for their employees. When they don’t prioritise their own wellbeing by overworking or not taking breaks, employees are likely to follow suit. So it is important for leaders to take care of their own needs effectively.?
- Support - Employees should feel supported by their supervisors. This can be provided by the leaders sharing resources and assistance as per the employees needs. A person’s wellbeing goes beyond physical wellness to include mental, social and financial wellness too. It is necessary for leaders to be mindful of the different aspects of wellbeing. For example, the approach in a situation where the employees productivity is being affected by a skill deficit would be different compared to when the issue had to do with a mental illness.?
- Seeking the right help: When it comes to employee wellbeing, leaders may not know where to start. A useful tool for leaders who wish to address employee wellbeing is EXP (Employee Experience Programs). That’s why The Mood Space provides one such comprehensive EXP program which is tailor-made to suit the unique needs of your organisation and your employees from start to finish.?
Leadership plays an important role in promoting employee wellbeing, and as a leader it is essential to prioritise employee wellbeing not only for the benefit of the employees but also the overall success of the organisation. As by promoting employee wellbeing organisations can increase productivity and reduce turnover.?
By : Priyanka TS (therapist at The Mood Space)
