It’s important for employers trying to create a stable and healthy business to ensure that their employees are healthy and productive, both for their sake, and the sake of the business. It’s not entirely uncommon to offer perks to employees such as gym membership discounts or to promote other physical health programs, but it is of equal if not more importance to look after their mental well-being. A happy employee will have greater job satisfaction and is more likely to stay in their position for longer, so here are the best ways to incorporate mental well-being into your business:
Cultivate positive work culture
The culture of a workplace can be a major factor in influencing how employees feel about their day-to-day. Making sure employees feel valued, safe and encouraged in their workplace is one of the biggest factors to making sure that they enjoy going to work and maintain a positive mental attitude. For this reason, it’s important to emphasise open communication, kindness and empathy in your business and making sure it stays a focus throughout all employee interactions.
Offer mental health resources
An employee’s mental health is as important as their physical health. It’s important to always offer resources and support for those employees that might be struggling with mental health issues, and that they be treated seriously. Offering counselling or therapy sessions to employees is a great way to go about this, such as an Employee Assistance Program at a low-cost or even for free, which will be an invaluable resource for the employees who need it.
Encourage a work-life balance
One of the most essential aspects of any job is finding the right balance between it and the rest of your life so that it doesn’t feel like it’s taking over. Any job that subjects workers to long hours, unrealistic expectations or excessive workloads can lead to burnout as employees lose their off hours and even miss out on sleep. Make sure your business is flexible by providing flexible working hours or plentiful paid time off, to allow employees the freedom to have a life outside of work.
Make sure your employees have self-care
When it comes to work, your employees will need to make sure they’re looking after themselves to be at their best, both professionally and mentally. Businesses should support their employees and encourage healthy habits along with disincentivising bad ones. One of the most common challenges is the use of illicit substances in the workplace. Businesses should use drug testing lab services to discourage this behaviour, and support employees that are struggling. Drug testing can be a sensitive topic at work, but using the right provider and the right test can make employees feel safe. Leading providers such as Matrix Diagnostics offer a wide range of services and products that cater to every business’ need.
Celebrate achievements
It’s important for any business to get in the habit of celebrating employee achievements. Even if they seem small, it makes a big difference to recognise the accomplishments of others and will keep them motivated to continue doing their best and achieving as much as they can. Recognition will lead to feeling valued, which will make employees more likely to come in and do their best every day.
