Are you keen to improve health and workplace wellbeing? In recent years, it’s workplace wellbeing has become a priority for employees and organisations alike. By taking steps to support employee wellbeing, companies can improve employee productivity, reduce absences, and create a more engaged and motivated workforce.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why companies should prioritise workplace wellbeing and give examples of what we’re doing to improve this at our marketing agency in Leeds.
Why is workplace wellbeing important?
Did you know that 50% of employees in the UK have experienced at least one characteristic of burnout due to greater job demands, lack of social interaction and lack of work-life balance? Additionally, almost half of workers say they’ve worked in recent months, despite not feeling physically or mentally well enough to do so. What’s more, it’s been found that mental ill health costs employers approximately £56 billion each year! So, not only do businesses have a responsibility to do more to support their workers, but it also benefits them financially in the long run.
How to improve mental health and workplace wellbeing
There are many ways to improve mental health and wellbeing in your workplace. From promoting a healthy work-life balance to creating a positive work culture, below are a few suggestions for putting mental health first.
Promote a healthy work-life balance
One of the most effective ways to promote workplace wellbeing is to encourage a healthy work-life balance. Long hours, tight deadlines, and heavy workloads can quickly take a toll on employee wellbeing. Encouraging flexible working hours, offering remote work options, and allowing employees to take time off when needed can help them to manage their workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Create a positive work culture
Creating a positive work culture is essential for promoting workplace wellbeing. A positive work culture is one where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. Encouraging open communication, recognizing employee achievements, and creating a sense of belonging can help to create a positive work culture.
Provide healthy food options
Providing healthy food options can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing. Eating a healthy diet can help to improve energy levels, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Offering healthy snacks and meals can encourage employees to make healthier choices and support their wellbeing.
Provide opportunities for learning and development
Providing opportunities for learning and development can also improve workplace wellbeing. Employees who feel supported in their career development are more likely to be engaged and motivated at work. Offering training, mentoring, and coaching can help employees to develop their skills and achieve their career goals.
How is our marketing agency improving health and workplace wellbeing?
Helen Fairburn, our Head of People, says: “I strongly believe that actions speak way louder than words when it comes to workplace wellbeing. It’s so important that we’re there to support people at work and reach out to them if we feel they’re struggling.
We’ve incorporated many new wellbeing initiatives into our workplace. From introducing a four-day week to ensuring that we have mental health first aiders, we’re constantly looking for ways to boost health and wellbeing for our employees.”
At Punch Creative, we are already doing all of the above, but keep reading for some other examples of health and wellbeing initiatives that we’ve introduced to our marketing agency.
Invested in mental health training
Investing in mental health training is an effective way to promote workplace wellbeing. We’ve done this at Punch by paying for management to attend online training courses in Mental Health Awareness, and Mental Health First Aid. This has taught our leadership team to spot the signs of mental ill health, assist in reducing stigma and encourage people to thrive at work.
Share wellbeing information and resources
Sharing wellbeing information and resources can help employees to take ownership of their own wellbeing. We provide regular access to resources such as articles, videos, and webinars that can help employees to learn about mental health, stress management, and other wellbeing topics. These are often in the form of ’Wellbeing Wednesday’ posts which are shared weekly on our communications platform.
Take part in mental health awareness events
Taking part in mental health awareness events such as World Mental Health Day or Mental Health Awareness Week can help to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma. At our marketing agency, we hold everything from colouring competitions to quizzes, workshops and more to tie into awareness months.
Hold yoga sessions in the office
Yoga is a form of exercise that can help to reduce stress, improve posture, and increase energy levels. We often hold regular yoga sessions in the office to encourage team bonding, which promotes a positive and healthy work environment.
Try a four-day week
A four-day workweek is becoming increasingly popular as a way to promote workplace wellbeing. By reducing the number of working days, employees have more time to focus on their personal lives, hobbies, and interests. This is something that we’ve introduced in the past few years for the whole marketing agency. This has resulted in a much better work-life balance for the team, as well as increased productivity and motivation. To learn more about Punch Creative’s four-day week, read our blog: Four-Day Work Week: A Review.
Sign up to the Mindful Employer Charter
The Mindful Employer Charter is a UK-wide initiative that encourages employers to support the mental health of their staff. Signing up to the charter demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment. We’re currently part of this charter, and as a result, have also joined the Leeds Mindful Employer Network.
This network was established in 2013, and is a unique offer to Leeds, putting the city at the forefront of initiatives to promote workplace mental health and wellbeing. It’s commissioned by Leeds City Council, along with Leeds Mind, in partnership with local employers. Their membership currently includes over 700 local employers – including us! For more information about how to join, please visit the Leeds Mind website.
Promoting workplace wellbeing requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in all of the above are equally effective ways to promote health and wellbeing in the workplace, and create a supportive environment.