.jpg)
Mental health: is it still taboo, or are workplaces beginning to understand its importance?
According to a recent study, 80% of workers feel stress in their job, and 65% of them said that this stress creates difficulties. The last thing you want for your employees is more hurdles and harder work.
People talk. Your employee is someone's neighbor, someone's uncle, someone's friend. Guess who their workplace stresses are vented to?
Your next potential customer.
No one wants to do business with a company they've heard bad things about. Caring about wellbeing in the workplace is good for them, and subsequently good for you.
Why?
It'll Drive Business, and Fuel Your Marketing Campaigns
One woman who works for Olark in Ann Arbor, Michigan emailed her team stating she'd be taking a couple of days to focus on her mental health. Her boss' response was uplifting and supportive. He reiterated "the importance of using sick days for mental health" and said he "can't believe this is not standard practice at all organizations."
I know what you're thinking. "Wow, she got lucky -- what a cool boss!"
You're not the only one. Her post went viral. She was flooded with questions, from those wanting to support such a great company to those who wanted to work in a place that actually cares about wellbeing in the workplace.
Olark now posts their values to their website as a part of their branding strategy.
Your company has a reputation, whether you like it or not. Keep it spotless by introducing a wellness management program into your work environment. Programs like group yoga can work to keep your employees both physically and mentally healthy, which increases your brand health in return.
Your Employees Are an Investment–Treat Them like One
Have you ever dealt with high turnover rates in your company? It's likely that you have, at least to some extent. When an employee leaves, have you ever questioned why?
It's easy, in a management position, to narrow in on the numbers of your business and forget about the people generating them. It's also easy for your employees to get home, throw their purse on the couch, and immediately start complaining about imminent carpal tunnel from typing all day, or their aching back from less-than-awesome work chairs.
Besides Christmas hams and the occasional early Friday, what are you doing for your employees that shows that you value their wellbeing in the workplace?
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes the importance of ergonomic work practices. Implementing strategies like standing desks and ergonomic keyboards can help support wellbeing in the workplace. Your employees will feel better for longer, and have nothing to complain about to their communities.
That means lower turnover and less "bad press." Let's face it: the people who know your company most intimately are your employees. They're the ones that are most qualified to leave you a review.
What's it going to say?
Wellbeing in the Workplace -- Not Taboo Anymore
We want to help you keep your employees in top shape. Get in touch to discuss your well-being programs in your workplace. Caring about your employees' health will make your business' brand shine.
