There are various ways to improve well-being in the workplace, but not all employees react the same to initiatives. You can enact common ideas within your workplace to get started on the right track.
Many employees highly value
flexible working environments and access to wellness programs. Ensuring your
employees have a modern HR experience can be another supporting factor.
Enable flexible work environments
Modern workplaces must learn to
work with employees to develop more flexible yet productive schedules.
According to the Zendesk Employee Experience Trends Report 2024, 87 percent of
EX leaders believe that providing flexible work schedules is key to enhancing
employee productivity.
You can implement core hours,
where employees must be available at set times but can opt to come into or
leave the office at varying times. You can also test remote work or hybrid
schedules, which could benefit parents or long-distance commuters.
Create a modern HR experience
Any barriers frustrate employees
when they attempt to communicate with HR or internal
customer service. Modernize your employee experience by utilizing
AI-powered HR help desk
software that streamlines collaboration between your employees
and the HR team. Enable open communication and transform how your team works
with 21st-century HR help desk features, including:
An omnichannel ticketing system
that enables employees to contact HR on modern messaging channels like Slack
Self-service solutions, such as
internal knowledge bases
Reporting and analytics tools to
measure support operations
Integrations with third-party
solutions, such as payroll
AI-powered bots and automated
workflows
Invest in employee development
Investing in development is
crucial because employees greatly value career advancement. You can provide
on-the-job training programs, such as lunch-and-learns, or offer incentives for
external continuous learning.
Providing one-on-one mentoring
opportunities from within the company is another excellent way to support and
help advance your workforce. If resources permit, you can consider individual
development plans for employees to personalize growth opportunities. If you
don’t know where to start, tools like Zendesk QA can
highlight coaching opportunities and offer insights to improve service quality.
Empower employees with the right
tools
In a modern work environment,
employees need the right tools to get work done efficiently. Utilizing outdated
solutions can cause excess friction, affecting employees and decreasing their
overall well-being.
The Zendesk Employee Experience
Trends Report 2024 found that over 30 percent of EX leaders note overcoming
challenges in remote software troubleshooting and support as a significant
issue. So, it’s critical to invest in the right tools so employees are empowered
to do their best work rather than struggle with overly complex, dated
interfaces.
Provide access to wellness
programs and resources
Providing access to wellness
programs and resources can positively impact employee well-being. At-will
programs allow employees to pick and choose the solutions that work best for
them.
You may consider including
employee mental health programs, activities to reduce workplace stress, and
access to fitness classes.
Implementing Employee Assistance
Programs (EAPs) is another excellent way to support well-being. EAPs can give
employees access to health counseling, financial services, and legal assistance
when they need it. Additionally, your businesses can include this information
within a knowledge
base so employees can see it at any time.
Cultivate a positive culture and
environment
We all want to work in a positive
work environment, and the best way to begin making a difference is from the top
down. Managers and executives must lead by example to help promote a healthy
company culture that impacts employees. Management teams should discuss and
then showcase the values they find most significant.
Fostering and maintaining
effective communication is also critical for healthy work environments.
Employees should feel they can express their ideas and feedback without
concern. Leadership seminars promoting active listening and constructive
criticism are excellent starting points for workplaces where management teams
may not yet possess the desired skill sets.
Frequently asked questions
Why should employers invest in
the well-being of employees?
What are the elements of employee
well-being?
How do you implement an employee
well-being strategy?
How can well-being in the
workplace improve company culture?
Prioritize employee well-being
today
Employee experience directly
impacts the customer service quality employees deliver—87 percent of
respondents acknowledge this in the recent Zendesk Employee Experience Trends
Report. That means businesses of all sizes and across industries should prioritize
employee well-being. Once an organization understands the components of
employee well-being, it can implement initiatives and monitor them to ensure
success. Learn more about the importance of this in the Zendesk EX Trends
Report 2024.
References.
Deloitte. (2020). Mental Health and Employers: The Case for Investment. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consulting/articles/mental-health-and-employers.html
Australian Government - Beyond Blue. (2021). Workplace Mental Health: A Guide for Employers. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/business
Dear Shanthakumar,
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent guide on improving well-being in the workplace! I especially appreciate the focus on a holistic approach, addressing not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. Creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued and heard is key to fostering a culture of well-being. I love the emphasis on flexible work arrangements and mental health resources—these are such effective ways to reduce stress and improve work-life balance.
Additionally, promoting open communication and ensuring that managers are trained to recognize signs of burnout or distress can make a huge difference in preventing issues before they escalate. It's clear that small changes, like offering wellness programs or encouraging social connections, can have a big impact on employee satisfaction and productivity.
This article really highlights that well-being isn't just a "nice-to-have" but a strategic investment that benefits both employees and the organization. Great insights!
Dear Shanthakumar,
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I like how it emphasizes practical steps like flexible work arrangements, modern HR tools, and wellness programs. Investing in employee well-being is clearly crucial for productivity and morale, and your points on fostering a supportive, communicative culture are spot-on. These strategies are a must for companies aiming to enhance both employee satisfaction and performance. Thanks for sharing these valuable insights!
Ms Nency Sharmilan
DeleteThank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you found the article helpful. You're absolutely right—investing in employee well-being is key to not only boosting productivity but also creating a positive, supportive work environment. It's great to hear that the points on flexible work, modern HR tools, and wellness programs resonated with you. I hope these strategies inspire more companies to prioritize employee satisfaction alongside performance. Thanks again for sharing your insights!"
Absolutely! Improving well-being in the workplace is multifaceted, and it’s true that not all employees will respond the same way to various initiatives. Starting with common ideas like flexible working environments and wellness programs is a great approach. Flexible work environments are highly valued by many employees. According to the Zendesk Employee Experience Trends Report 2024, 87 percent of EX leaders believe that flexible work schedules enhance productivity. Implementing core hours or testing remote and hybrid schedules can significantly benefit employees.
ReplyDeleteCreating a modern HR experience is also crucial. Utilizing AI-powered HR help desk software can streamline communication and collaboration, making it easier for employees to get the support they need. Features like omnichannel ticketing systems, self-service solutions, and AI-powered boots can transform the employee experience.
Finally, cultivating a positive culture and environment starts from the top. Managers and executives must lead by example to promote a healthy company culture that truly impacts on employees.