Reap Rewards by Prioritizing Workforce Wellness

While the holidays can be a time of celebration, they can also bring added stress for many — personally and professionally. That’s why it’s important to prioritize time for well-being at home, and in the workplace. Companies that prioritize workforce wellness can reap real benefits, including:

• Boosted productivity
• Reduced team absences
• Increased job satisfaction
• Improved employee engagement
• Talent attraction and retention
• A healthier work environment

Workplace well-being isn’t just a company perk. It can drive positive company culture and contribute to growth goals. But to make a real impact, organizations need to take a holistic approach to company wellness. You can do that by following these six practical tips:

Burnout has become more prevalent than ever, and it’s more than just feeling tired. According to the National Library of Medicine, burnout is a chronic response to prolonged work stress that can lead to severe health issues. These can include poor cognitive, emotional and behavioral health, which can result in negative attitudes toward work, colleagues and self — all common byproducts of high-pressure workplace environments. Some simple ways you can ease employee burnout are:

• Provide clarity within assignments and avoid excessive work demands. Overloading workers with extra assignments and meetings without offering support or breaks will add unnecessary stress to your teams’ mental health.
• Recognize chronic stress doesn’t just cause burnout. Studies find chronic stress also leads to cardiovascular disease, depression and more.

Recognition is a powerful motivator. When employees feel their contributions go unnoticed, engagement and morale may suffer. You can make recognition meaningful by:

• Encouraging your leaders to highlight team accomplishments and individual milestones.
• Promoting peer-to-peer recognition to build appreciation within your company.
• Offering public and private recognition depending on team member preference; everyone deserves to feel valued.

Strong workplace relationships can foster better collaboration, support and a sense of belonging. Offering opportunities for employees to develop bonds with their coworkers can help create a more positive work culture. While coworkers don’t have to be best friends, they should feel respected and connected to their environment. Here are some easy ways to help build employee connections:

• Organize team-building activities and cross-departmental events.
• Create social spaces for informal get-togethers.
• Celebrate wins, host lunches or plan volunteer opportunities to bring people together.

Making your workplace collaborative and inclusive can help employees feel more connected to their peers. This strengthens trust and teamwork, benefiting employees and the company.

Don’t let your employees feel like they’ve been forgotten. Invest in their futures. Offer training, mentorship opportunities, webinars, and other resources to help your employees grow and develop clear career paths. When employees see their workplace is committed to them as much as they are to the company, they’re more likely to stay engaged, loyal and happy.

Work-life balance is essential for long-term wellness. Encourage employees to use their paid time off, take breaks and disconnect after office hours. This creates a stronger boundary between their home and work lives, which can help team members feel more respected. Flexible schedules and remote or hybrid work options can also help reduce stress and improve overall workplace satisfaction.

Employees who feel connected to a larger mission are often more engaged and motivated. Help them understand how their roles contribute to the company’s goals and how this contributes to their long-term career growth. Provide autonomy and opportunities to work on meaningful projects that align with their strengths and passions. Don’t let your employees feel lost; connect their work to your company’s mission or purpose.

During the holiday season, remember why workplace wellness is important — not just for employees but for your company too. When you follow well-being best practices, you’re creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered. By prioritizing wellness, companies can build a healthier culture, boost productivity and achieve sustainable growth with happier employees and lower turnover. To begin implementing more well-being practices into your company, start small, stay consistent, and watch the positive impact on your culture.

At SA, we strive for a high-performing culture and embrace the power of wellness. Our wellness employee resource group organizes a robust annual calendar of wellness activities and education. Healthy lifestyles are encouraged through wellness challenges and events. Employees track their participation, preventive screenings and more for wellness points reimbursable for wellness-related purchases. Encouraging healthy habits helps keep our workforce healthy and contributes to lower health care costs. Healthy employees are more productive employees — working together to create a workplace where people love what they do — moving brands forward. Learn more about our latest news and ideas at Strategic America.

Happy holidays, everyone!