As a business owner, it can often be easy enough to focus on performance and figures above all else. However, employee wellbeing should also be up there as one of your main focuses as an employer. With only one third of British employees happy with their work-life balance, it’s more important than ever to take employee wellbeing very seriously. This can become increasingly difficult as your business continues to grow and take on more employees. However, there are a few things you can do that will aid in helping employees to feel valued in their workplace.
Employee Happiness
It’s no shock to learn that happier employees make for more productive employees. However, there are several factors that can affect someone’s happiness with work only making up one aspect of this. An employee’s happiness is also influenced by lifestyle, family and financial status too. While some of these are out of your control as an employer, companies that promote healthier lifestyles, as well as work-life balance, lead to more well-rounded and secure employees. Consider the benefits you offer to your staff and maybe introduce discounted gym memberships, cycle to work schemes as well as regular social events to create a community rather than just an office. Similarly, everyday interactions with employees can have a big impact. Things like remembering birthdays, signing a new baby card for someone on maternity leave and offering a round of tea or coffee can massively improve your employee relationships.
Employee Productivity
Dissatisfied and unhappy employees are less likely to offer their maximum productivity capacity. Presenteeism, when employees are in the office but are too tired or stressed to work to their full potential, is one of the biggest drivers for unproductivity in the office. It’s important to consider each employee as an individual and make sure that they are managing their workload and offer any assistance where appropriate. This reduces stress and leads to more relaxed, focused employees.
Employee Development
Obtaining and retaining great talent is one of the pitfalls of any business. As an employer, it can be frustrating watching a great employee walk out of the door, but it’s important to recognise that there is, therefore, a chance for constructive change to happen. Around 33% of UK employees want to leave their job due to a lack of career progression. A good way to work on this from a manager’s point of view is to arrange monthly meetings to have open and honest chats with your team members. Take their views seriously and do what you can to reassure them that their concerns and goals are being addressed.
While there are several things that can impact the wellbeing of an employee, there are a few that are within your control as an employer. From a business owner or entrepreneurs’ point of view, employee wellbeing is something that should be worked into your business model to see a company that truly thrives.
