10 ways leaders can help to improve workplace wellbeing

‘A happy workplace is a productive workplace’. This age-old adage may still ring true in the world of work today, and one of the key factors in ensuring a happy and productive workplace lies with the leadership team. Taking steps to improve workplace wellbeing can help to create a positive environment for employees, boost engagement levels and in turn, increase efficiency. 

Here are 10 ways in which leaders can help to improve workplace wellbeing: 

1. Promote work/life balance: Help your employees strike the perfect balance between their work and personal life needs. Encourage the adoption of flexible working practices, such as remote or flexible hours, that give employees the autonomy to manage their own working hours. 

2. Show care & compassion: Show that you care about their wellbeing. Take your employees’ opinions into consideration, support them during difficult times, and provide encouragement and recognition where appropriate.

3. Provide mentoring/coaching: Invest in mentoring and coaching schemes that provide employees with the tools to develop and strengthen their skills. This will in turn help to empower them to take control of their own career development. 

4. Reward achievement: Recognise and reward employees for their achievements, helping them to stay motivated and inspired. Simple rewards, such as extra holiday days or free lunches, have been shown to have a positive effect.

5. Prioritise good health: Encourage employees to look after their health, both physically and mentally. Invest in employee health programmes, such as cycle to work schemes and lunchtime yoga, which provide health and wellbeing benefits. 

6. Create connection: Create spaces or forums for employees to discuss and network, such as team lunches, group challenges and external activities.

7. Ensure clear communication: Communication is key to helping your team feel in the loop. Provide regular updates on company events and news, and ensure that your team know that they can go to you with questions or suggestions. 

8. Cultivate a positive culture: Oversee a workplace culture that is open and inclusive. Encourage staff to voice their opinions and ideas, and ensure that no employee ever feels sidelined or excluded. 

9. Offer learning opportunities: Foster an environment of learning, by providing access to training or mentoring programmes for employees. This helps to keep employees engaged, whilst giving them the opportunity to grow within the company. 

10. Encourage cognitive breaks: Unplugging from technology has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Promote ‘tech free’ activities, such as outdoor events, team sports or yoga, to give employees some ‘me time’ away from screens.