Many employees felt their organization cared about them during the early months of the pandemic, but those numbers recently plummeted. Now, only 24% of workers strongly agree that their organization cares about their wellbeing. This shockingly-low number is of great concern to leaders. They are left asking questions like, “How can we ensure our employees feel cared for?” Amid a plethora of options, we chose 10 tips we believe will help bring the statistics back up from a mere 24%.
1. Promote and destigmatize EAPs
Occasionally remind your employees about the employee assistance program (EAP) available to them. Educate them on what it can provide and how to access it. Especially since 30% of workers do not know how to access their company’s EAP. Ongoing promotion of EAPs will help destigmatize them. Reassure employees that using any services will remain confidential.
2. Offer help managing finances
Financial wellbeing is an important piece of the complete employee wellbeing puzzle. Offering free financial advice services for your employees communicates you care about their financial wellbeing beyond just handing out paychecks. It means you care how they budget and save for the future, too. You can also invite your benefits rep to come in for a day. Let employees sign up for a time slot to discuss their retirement plan.
3. Connect employees with other experts
Beyond financial experts, there are many other people that you can connect your employees with. Try bringing in a different expert every month that employees can learn from. Connect individuals with counselors or coaches when they need. There is a level of personalization available here! Different employees may have different needs that require different experts and resources.
4. Provide healthy food options
Increase the amount of healthy food options in the office and try to limit unhealthy options. Easier access to healthy food is closely correlated with the belief that “my organization cares about my overall wellbeing.” Leave a bit of room in the budget for remote workers as well. Reimburse them for healthy snacks they buy during work breaks.
5. Incentivize gym memberships
Not every office building has a gym attached to it. Help workers identify a reputable fitness center in their area. Look for those at which discounted group rates can be negotiated. Reimburse employees in full if your budget allows, or just partially reimburse them. All they have to do is submit proof they are using a facility. It’s a classic way to promote employee wellbeing that many people love.
6. Host events and activities
Set up a events and activities that promote holistic wellbeing. These can be during or after work hours. Consider options like bi-weekly sport nights, group trips to the dog park, meditation sessions, and nutritional cooking classes. When these activities are set up on the company’s dime, employees are more likely to attend. And they can serve as great team building experiences!
7. Include family in programs and activities
Programs should be open to family when possible. Those bi-weekly sport nights and other wellbeing activities that occur outside of work hours? Let family and friends join in the fun! In many cases, parents may only be able to attend by bringing the kids along. Plus, employees will be happy to see their organization making a point to care about the wellbeing of their loved ones in addition to their own.
8. Recognize wellbeing efforts
Acknowledge the efforts employees make to improve their wellbeing. Recognize wellbeing event participants internally with a social post or eCard. If your company utilizes a points program, you can incentivize participation by offering points. You’ll increase participation and the activities will be that much more fun for employees.
9. Make wellbeing part of goal setting
Ask employees to submit wellbeing interests and goals to their managers. This can be a part of monthly or yearly goals depending on your goal setting processes. Then managers can follow up and inquire how goals are progressing and how they are doing throughout their pursuits. An element of accountability will be added, and you’ll also reinforce a culture of holistic wellbeing.
10. Ask for feedback and ideas
Frequently survey your employees for a variety of reasons. Firstly, you can measure employee wellbeing to gain a sense of their current experiences. You can then create strategies if you find it is turns out to be low. Secondly, you can gather feedback and ideas for future wellbeing activities employees want to see happen. Finally, you’ll communicate that your organization and leaders truly care by checking in often.
At the end of the day, there is not one magic strategy to promote wellbeing for your employees. But many solutions do exist to figure out what might be the best fit for your organization and employees. Make the effort and continue to foster a culture of openness. You’ll find effort and vulnerability both go a long way!