HR Measures to Improve Employee Health & Well-Being

Employees are the most precious part of any company. Every company wants to keep its best team members, and that's why there is strong competition among companies to make sure they don't lose them. However, in today's situation, it's becoming harder for companies to retain employees.

Companies are trying really hard to get the best employees by offering them great deals. But the only sure way to keep employees loyal is by taking care of their health and well-being. When the HR (Human Resources) department understands and looks after the health and happiness of the employees, they feel more connected to the company. Sometimes, employees are even okay with fewer extra benefits if they know the company is making efforts to keep them healthy. Recently, employers have been putting in a lot of effort to create a work environment that is good for the health, productivity, and cooperation of their employees.

Not just retention, as an HR, you can reap several other benefits by making sure the well-being of everyone who works for you. When you encompass a team of satisfied and happy coworkers, you will observe that productivity is going up. Rather than competition, you will notice a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among team members. When employees are happy, they are less likely to crib or withdraw from activities that exist beyond the layout of their area of responsibility.

Below are several simple HR measures that you can follow to ensure employee well-being:

Keep the Environment Cheerful

Make sure the office environment is enjoyable for employees. Uncomfortable seating and crowded spaces can be demotivating. Since employees spend a significant time at work, providing comfortable chairs, good lighting, and extra perks like a gym or restaurant can significantly enhance productivity. Reports suggest that such amenities can lead to a noticeable increase in energy levels, memory, and concentration among employees.

Provide Facilities

Ensuring employee well-being is crucial, and a simple way to do this is by offering necessary facilities. Make your staff feel valued by paying attention to small details, such as providing good coffee and small benefits. These gestures go a long way in making employees feel appreciated and cared for.

Flexibility in Work Arrangements

Show understanding towards your employees for optimal performance. If they unexpectedly need a day off or arrive late occasionally, offer support by helping them create a work schedule that accommodates their needs. This flexibility can contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.

Be Fair When Evaluate Employee

Recognize that not all employees are identical, and as a superior, avoid evaluating them blindly on the same criteria. Be mindful of their strengths and weaknesses. Introduce employee wellness programs to understand their preferences and interests beyond their regular duties. If employees show interest in tasks outside their expertise, provide training opportunities. Offering unexpected benefits can enhance employee loyalty and commitment to your organization.

Promote Mental Health Education

Mental health challenges have risen among corporate employees, and these issues often go unnoticed as symptoms are not always visible. Many individuals hesitate to share their stress or mental health concerns due to social stigma. Employers can play a crucial role by providing education to their workforce on mental health awareness. Encouraging an open dialogue can empower employees to speak out about their concerns, seek counseling, or take time off to address and resolve their issues.

Communicate and Take Feedback

Encourage clear communication in the workplace through regular team meetings and guidelines. HR should facilitate open channels for employees to share thoughts and ideas. Implement feedback systems to foster constructive conversations about what's going well and areas for improvement. This promotes a supportive atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Clear communication and feedback contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.

Promote Healthy Eating

While you can't dictate your employees' food preferences, you can make an effort to offer healthy snacks weekly. Consider providing options like fruits, sprouts, or salads. This initiative can inspire your workforce to make healthier choices not only at work but also while they are at home. Encouraging better eating habits contributes to overall well-being and productivity.

Give Recognition and Appreciation

It's essential to say "thank you" to employees. HR can create awards or simple ways to recognize good work, like a shout-out in a meeting or a note of appreciation. This makes employees feel valued. Recognition should be personal and consider what each person likes. HR can ask for feedback on how employees want to be appreciated. When people feel recognized, they enjoy their work more, and this positive feeling helps keep them in the job.

Reward

Acknowledging and rewarding employees, even for minor achievements, can enhance their happiness and subsequently improve workplace productivity. Rewards don't always have to be monetary; there are various non-monetary ways to recognize and appreciate employees, creating a positive perception of the company.

Promote Preventive Health Care

While many wellness programs address health issues after they arise, prioritizing preventive care is crucial for the early detection of physical health issues. Consider providing employees with corporate annual health checkups or group health insurance as part of preventive healthcare measures. This proactive approach can contribute to maintaining a healthier workforce and minimizing productivity loss over time.

Provide training and development

Employee training helps people get better at their jobs. HR can organize workshops or online courses to teach new skills. This could include learning technical stuff or getting better at working with others. Training should happen often, and HR can check what skills employees need to improve. Learning should not stop after initial training; it should be ongoing to keep everyone updated on new things. This makes employees feel more confident and happy about their work.

Conclusion

Employees who are considered assets rather than resources prefer working in such organizations where they are taken care of their health and well-being. In essence, if you want to build an organization that offers a comprehensive range of workplace wellness programs catering to the needs of a talented workforce, start including these measures from today.