Prioritising the wellbeing of your staff isn’t just the right thing to do – it can be good for your business.
Global research suggests a stressed an overworked employee is likely to become less healthy, engaged and productive.
And sadly, one in five New Zealanders report being continuously or often stressed at work, according to Statistics NZ.
Let’s look at why investing in employee’s mental and physical health can lead to better business.
Does health equal wealth?
It’s an overwhelming yes, according to the research. For every dollar a small business owner invests in organisational wellbeing for their staff, they can see a return of up to 12 times within a year, an NZ study shows.
Happier and healthier staff tend to have lower absenteeism, fewer injuries, higher productivity and want to stay with your business longer.
Seven ways to help create a healthy workplace
Here are seven ways to help create a healthy work environment that enables your team to be their best.
“Research shows that going to work while sick can cost the economy millions”
1. Create a culture of wellbeing
Show staff that you care about their holistic wellbeing to kickstart this culture. This could be as simple as encouraging staff to go home on time, take lunch breaks and take annual leave.
2. Training and activities
There are many wellbeing education programs you could encourage staff to take, with topics ranging from healthy eating and exercise. Such programs vary in cost depending on the scope, but there are many cheaper programs if you have a limited budget. You should also support staff taking time to undertake the activities, but as the numbers show, it can be well worth it.
3. Provide healthy options
You could encourage positive lifestyle choices by having a fruit bowl in your staff room instead of a packet of biscuits. Alternatively, you could encourage walking meetings or look into sponsoring physical activities such as fun runs or yoga.
4. Don’t encourage working while sick
Ensure strict rules against employees coming to work while sick. If someone seems under the weather, encourage them to go home and rest up. Research shows that going to work while sick can cost the economy millions, if not billions. And if you're unwell yourself, stay home to set a good example. Working while sick can delay your recovery, get more staff members sick and you can feel miserable.
5. Share and celebrate successes
A little praise can go a long way. Recognise good work and share it with the wider team to help build morale.
6. Offer support during challenging times
Consider offering employee assistance programs to help anyone struggling with mental health or following a distressing event such as a bereavement. If your budget is too limited for that, point your team members in the direction of free support services.
7. Check-in regularly
Introduce regular check-ins or team meetings with your direct reports to find out how they are, how you can support them and whether they have any concerns. This can help facilitate trust and open communication.
A healthy business is a good business
If you want to improve productivity, your people are a great place to start. Make your business somewhere your employees never want to leave and your business will thank you for it.
If you're making any significant changes to your business, it’s worth speaking with your broker to make sure you have the right insurance cover.
By understanding your unique needs, your broker can help ensure your business is covered when you need it the most.
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