When it comes to wellness at work, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These include mental and emotional health, reducing medical costs, and supporting your employees to bring their authentic selves to work. You can read more about the topic in the following article.
Mental and emotional health
Many employers are becoming aware of the importance of mental and emotional health at work. However, it’s not enough to simply put in place a mental health policy. It is also necessary to train all employees on how to recognize the early signs of mental health problems.
Taking a proactive approach to supporting mental and emotional health is not just good for the individual, it is good for the company. Increasing the mental well-being of all employees has the potential to improve workplace productivity and reduce costs.
There are many factors that contribute to poor mental health in the workplace. Some of these risk factors include poor organizational support, inadequate skills, and a negative working environment.
A recent study shows that more than half of employees are experiencing stress at work. In addition, 40 percent are reporting performance issues.
Employees who are depressed may be distracted and have difficulty focusing on work. Furthermore, they can also exhibit poor decision-making and passive-aggressive behavior. They may also overreact to colleagues and miss meetings.
Reducing medical costs
Incorporating wellness at work into the workplace can help to reduce medical costs. These programs can encourage healthy behaviors, increase employee productivity, and promote engagement.
The Affordable Care Act has increased the number of employers who are introducing these types of programs. Studies have shown that these initiatives can improve health and reduce healthcare expenditures.
These programs can be used to motivate at-risk employees to make healthy lifestyle choices. For example, companies may offer incentives for quitting smoking or getting regular check-ups. They can also encourage workers to use generic drugs and biosimilars.
Wellness at work can also reduce health insurance premiums. According to the Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, for every dollar invested in a wellness program, employers save $1 to $3. This can translate to savings in other areas of the business as well.
A study by the Center for Disease Control found that for every dollar spent on a disease management component, employers could save $136 per month. Chronic diseases are responsible for up to 75 percent of national health care spending.
Supporting employees to bring their authentic self to work
Supporting employees to bring their authentic selves to work can make your company a better place to work. Creating an environment that enables individuals to express themselves and be themselves is not always easy, but it’s an important step in creating a positive workplace.
Employees who feel like they can be themselves are happier, more productive, and more engaged. In addition, this type of workplace culture allows for more innovation and collaboration.
For instance, it can encourage employees to do something like host a team book club over lunch. This gives them the opportunity to talk about their favorite books. They’ll also get to know each other better, which creates a stronger bond.
Putting a human face on your business can help your company achieve its goals and mission. It’s also a way to demonstrate your commitment to a diverse workforce and support your employees.
In a recent survey, more than 90% of respondents said that bringing their authentic selves to work is important. Having a culture of authenticity can help you retain top talent.
Hanging out with co-workers outside the workplace
Having good, tight-knit coworkers is an essential part of keeping your health and wellness in check at work. Having friends outside of work is an ideal way to stay motivated and healthy during times of stress. As a result, it’s important to hang out with your colleagues during lunch breaks or at social events. This way, you’ll make connections and build strong bonds. You’ll also be able to talk openly about your work, which will keep you focused on your job.
A great way to get to know your coworkers is to volunteer at a company-sponsored event. It’s also a good idea to join the company’s social committee and attend events such as a happy hour. The more you engage with your colleagues, the better your career will be.
If your workplace tends to be a bit on the sour side, you may want to avoid hanging out with your colleagues during office hours. That way, you can avoid the rumor mill and other drama that can occur. While you should definitely set limits when it comes to your colleagues, you should not be afraid to call them out on their bad behavior. By doing so, you’ll create a stronger, healthier coworker-to-colleague relationship that will make your workdays easier and less stressful.