Boost Organisational Culture for Employee Health Wellness
It’s a fact: happier employees are more better employees. They're more productive and enthusiastic and are less likely to quit. In fact, new research tells us that employees who have at least one close friend at work have better job satisfaction and are more likely to remain with the company. Further, work friendships are shown to reduce burnout, boost positivity, and improve business overall. That sounds like a happy solution. Let's take a look at how and why to boost happiness and friendship within your organizational culture.
Organisational Culture of Happiness to Boost Business Outcomes
Happiness (and unhappiness) is infectious. All it takes is one person to bring up or bring down the mood of the entire team. Happy employees are more creative and collaborative. They also have more positive interactions with clients and customers, which improves customer service and client experience, improving organizational outcomes overall.
Additionally, workers make better decisions when they're not anxious or stressed, according to a Swarthmore College study. When employees feel they’re supported and are doing a job that’s matched to their abilities, they make better, more educated decisions.
They’re also less likely to quit: happy employees have higher job satisfaction and are in no hurry to leave (and likely won’t be easily tempted away by a competitor). When it comes to employee retention, culture is key.
To increase quality of life for employees (in other words, boost the likelihood that they'll be happy), there are several proven actions leaders can take. These include prioritizing work-life balance, cultivating an organisational culture of positivity, and offering generous employee benefits including comprehensive worksite wellness programming.
1. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Many workplaces say they promote a healthy work-life balance, but don’t do enough to actively encourage it. Leaders should recognize the signs of stress and burnout and regularly survey employees about their mental health needs. Reducing stigma around mental health by communicating openly about mental health concerns is also helpful. And while it's good to reward a job well done, it's not as healthy to reinforce overwork or hustle culture.
2. Improve Organizational Culture of Health and Happiness
Day-to-day tasks may be interesting at first, but for a real sense of fulfillment, employees need to know they’re working towards something bigger than themselves. This includes making staff aware of the different career opportunities available to them, and to involve staff directly in the progress of the company through regular updates, involvement in meetings, and opportunities to shape company growth through their work.
3. Offer Benefits That Go Beyond the Basics
Digital health and wellness programs are a proven way to look after your employee's health and happiness, and it's a benefit that employees want from a company. When it comes to employee well-being, the more flexible and personalized your wellness programs can be, the better. And while all wellness programs aim to improve quality of life, comprehensive programming can even include content about happiness and employee mental health.
Healthier, happier employees are more likely to have a positive work experience and create better business outcomes. That sounds like a win-win.For more about investing in your employees’ health and happiness, contact us.