Wellbeing should be a central component of any business’s DNA. It’s not an isolated initiative or a fleeting occurrence but an ongoing endeavour that requires daily attention and commitment. It is all about empowering teams, tailoring approaches to different communities, and ensuring that everyone feels valued, safe, and heard.
By making wellbeing a core part of our company culture, business is able to create a more positive and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive.
It boils down to three things; responsibility, recognition and reward.
Responsibility
Responsibility is a team game, everyone has a part to play. In any organization, it’s crucial for leaders to take the lead and set the right example for their teams. It is the responsibility of the senior team to create a safe and comfortable environment where people feel free to speak up, one that encompasses wellbeing and makes HR an everyday and everybody function, ensuring that everyone is set up for success. If people thrive then business will thrive too.
It is the responsibility of HR leaders to guide all levels of the business to ensure that the company culture supports this approach, that the strategy is fit for purpose in the new way of working, and always looking for new ways to fulfil this. This is how we connect the business and people strategy and become ready to pivot and influence.
It is the responsibility of management teams and line managers to be vigilant in identifying and addressing any issues that arise. They need to be equipped with the right tools and skills, along with time in their days, to support their people to thrive.
Finally, employees themselves should also take responsibility for their own actions and participate in the overall effort to build a healthy and productive work environment.
Recognition
We know that recognition and wellbeing are strongly linked, and it’s essential to promote both in the workplace. By acknowledging and appreciating employees’ hard work and achievements, they feel valued, supported, and less stressed, which leads to improved wellbeing. This applies not only to recognition from superiors but also from peers, as it fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Recognition empowers everyone to be their best, it increases engagement and productivity, and it benefits the team and the company as a whole. It is a simple yet powerful way to support and uplift each other and it is important for any business to make it a daily practice to recognize and celebrate their peoples’ accomplishments and contributions.
However, it’s also crucial to ensure that recognition is fair, personalised, and happens at all levels. From informal WOW chats to handwritten thank-yous, team meals, parties, and even random acts of kindness, there are many ways to show appreciation and support. By personalising recognition, people feel seen and valued as individuals. Everyone has a voice and listening to those voices supports a culture of open communication and collaboration.
What is more, they will become advocates for your company, promoting a positive culture, strengthening relationships, and ultimately contributing to a healthier bottom line, one that benefits the wellbeing of everyone.
Reward
By recognising and rewarding your employees, you are building a strong foundation for a motivated and loyal workforce, fosetering teamwork, encouraging innovation, and creating a positive work environment. But businesses need to go beyond the traditional bonus and explore creative ways to acknowledge peoples’ hard work and contributions.
And they need to offer a wide range of benefits, which allows their people to choose the options that work best for them, from free breakfast and healthy lunch snacks, to counseling services, fun activities and much more; activities designed to bring joy and excitement to your team, and to reward them for their dedication throughout the year. A happy and engaged team is the key to a successful and thriving business.
Reward is becoming less about the tangible and more about the opportunity to grow and progress in their careers. This growth can take many forms, from internal promotions to external education and training opportunities. It is about investing in peoples’ development and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, from internal promotions and training programs, to external education and industry events, and through all of it ensuring they have a healthy work-life balance.
By investing in the wellbeing of your people, you not only help them reach their full potential but also strengthen the wellbeing of the company as a whole. It is the responsibility of the leadership team to set the tone and culture from the top down, creating a positive and supportive work environment that benefits everyone. In recognising and rewarding your people, you foster a culture of growth and development, where our employees feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals. Because when you prioritize the wellbeing and success of your people you prioritise the wellbeing and success of your business.
