The pandemic years brought mental health issues to the surface. But health and wellbeing in the workplace was a hot topic even prior to the breakout of coronavirus.
The rising numbers of employee absenteeism caused by stress, depression, and anxiety reveal a telling picture.
It is estimated that one million workers in the US are absent from work due to a condition connected with mental health. Even employees that do turn up for work are more likely to have a slip in standards.
The construction industry, in particularly, has a concerning record of mental health issues. A study revealed that 83% of employees in the construction industry suffered from some form of mental health issue.
Addressing health and well-being in the workplace is subsequently growing. Failing to do so can lead to substance abuse, feeling isolated, acts of violence and suicidal thoughts.
Beyond Health and Well-Being Strategies
Health and well-being strategies have benefits for both employees and employers. If your employees are not in good mental and physical health, their work performance suffers.
Moreover, when employers show their people that they care, employees are more likely to stay with the company.
But health and well-being strategies have to look beyond productivity and efficiency levels and into the emotional state of your employees.
Well-being strategies should be people-centric and customized to the individual. Whilst you can put blanket strategies, minor adjustments should be made that appeal to the physical, mental and emotional needs of the individual.
Furthermore, well-being strategies should not be reactive – they should be preventative. Counseling sessions are a token gesture that is expensive, and not guaranteed to help.
Create A Healthy Workplace Culture
A toxic workplace is a breeding ground that promotes poor mental health. On the flip side, a healthy workplace culture fosters emotional and mental well-being.
Workplace cultures are created from the top down. Senior management in the construction industry can start by addressing the basic requirements of workers.
Studies show that common complaints include working long hours, poor sanitary conditions, high-pressure work environments and end-of-season lay-offs are the leading causes of mental health issues.
Caring for Employees
Developing a workplace culture that demonstrates and promotes caring can help to reduce the risk of mental health issues. Dropping the emphasis on targets and other stress-inducing triggers in the workplace relieve employees of unnecessary pressure.
Employers need to ensure their employees are getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well and end exercising, and are given time to spend with family and friends.
Whilst holistic well-being strategies are not entirely in the control of employers, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and promoting nutritious food over junk food will help your employees to adopt attitudes and behaviors that are centered around health and wellbeing.
Team Bonding
Humans thrive when they are valued and respected by others. To get the most out of your workforce and cultivate a culture of well-being, team bonding in the workplace is vital.
Studies have shown that social relationships have an impact on health. How we think and feel changes the cardiovascular system, the immune system, sleep quality, and cognitive health.
Well-being strategies that give your employees a sense of purpose not only improve how they feel on a personal level but also how they feel towards the company as a whole. Employees who bond with a company are more likely to remain loyal.
Companies today not only have a financial incentive to introduce a health and well-being program, it’s a moral obligation employers owe to their employees.