Employee wellbeing is an essential part of business today. As work and the expectations around it grow, how we handle staff welfare must also adapt. Companies need to show their employees they care about their physical and mental health.
The only question is: how can you do that? For starters, you need to understand the actual connection between supporting employees’ wellbeing and the payoff in terms of your business. Staff who are happier, more engaged, and more likely to stay with you are less stressed and healthier.
This translates to a lower absence percentage and higher productivity in the workplace. The results are less staff turnover over time. But what does a good wellbeing strategy actually look like?
The building blocks of employee wellbeing
The best workplace strategies look at health, mental health, and personal growth all together. Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) offer confidential support, information, and guidance on all kinds of personal and work issues.
Whether you’re struggling with stress, money problems, or relationship issues, having someone to talk to can really help. Setting up EAP counselling isn’t just for big businesses; it can be a real lifeline for employees struggling with the pressures of working life.
Why EAP counselling matters
EAP isn’t just a nice thing to offer; it’s a powerful tool. When you support EAP counselling, you’re telling your employees that their wellbeing matters. It helps create a bond of trust that has a huge impact on job satisfaction and results. Companies that offer employee assisted programmes see an improved mentality across the board and less employee disappearance.
So, it’s a win-win situation for both sides. One example of a company that offers a broad-ranging EAP programme is HealthHero.ie, formerly MyClinic.ie, in Ireland. HealthHero has designed bespoke support packages to support employees in every sector.
Practical tips for implementing an effective wellbeing strategy
Coming up with your own mental health strategy isn’t about just following a list of things to do. It’s about finding the people and resources to help you look after your staff. It’s a very personal way of looking after your team. If you plan to take this approach, think about the gaps that you must fill.
Assess the needs of your employees: Run regular staff surveys to get a sense of the issues bothering your team. Use this data to help drive your own policies in the business.
Promote mental health awareness: Set up workshops and training sessions, like the ones on resilience and stress management. Encourage an open culture around mental health.
Offer flexible working arrangements: Flexible working plans can often be the most helpful way to keep your staff healthy. Remote working can also help give your staff the space they need.
Provide access to EAP counselling
Ensure your team is aware of the EAP service in place for them. Outline the benefits and make it easy to access the help they need. EAP counselling will provide a lifeline and assist with concerns before they are allowed to fester. Overall, employee wellbeing is the cornerstone for any business.
