Effective business owners and managers understand the importance of their employees’ lives outside of work. While a certain amount of dedication and effort put forth in the office is a very commendable quality, it’s crucial that your team members are able to separate work from home for the sake of their mental health.
According to The American Institute of Stress , workload and lack of job security account for 52% of the leading causes of stress in Americans today. Given the amount of time we typically spend at work during the week, it’s no wonder that our environment can be a key contributor to this. Many businesses today are beginning to account for this statistic however, setting programs in place aimed to reduce levels of stress within the workplace.
There is, and has always been a direct connection between an employee’s well-being and his or her productivity levels, though it hasn’t been addressed until fairly recently. The American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence actually awards businesses that take action in improving their employees’ mental health. Whether they establish programs or develop a supportive environment, the COE recognizes these efforts as a model of what all modern businesses should look like.
In order to add your name to this endearing list, employers must realize the significance of a variety of aspects, like recognition and appreciation. Employees who are complimented for their hard work are 69% more likely to put their best foot forward. Appreciating one’s efforts can boost self-esteem, which has been linked to lowered feelings of anxiety and depression.
Some of the most innovative companies today focus on preserving mental health by offering flexible work hours, opportunities to work from home, paid time-off, and classes that educate employees on causes and symptoms of interoffice depression and anxiety. It has long been seen as an unimportant part of one’s well-being, but mental health is just as important as physical health, especially when considering employee engagement and productivity.
Your staff should also be encouraged to develop a healthy lifestyle outside of work if not done so already. By establishing programs that educate and promote well-being, this can even be done subconsciously. Employees that understand the correlation between a healthy work-life balance are much more likely to make healthier decisions during their personal time, thus increasing their happiness at work.
Seeing as money is yet another leading cause of stress today , introducing financial education courses is a great way to alleviate any stress associated with that field. Teach your employees about debt management and retirement, and how being well versed in both can benefit both them and their families.
A happy workplace is a productive workplace, and there is no better way to achieve that than to address your workforce’s mental health, ensuring it is no less than positive. Set up educational courses, change the office environment, and engage your employees on a regular basis to show your appreciation for them, helping them understand their true value within the company. Something as simple as a small, kind gesture can spell the difference between an individual’s good day or bad day.
