COVID-19 has taken its toll on many aspects of life—with work being no exception. Stress from changes in workplace policies and adjustment to a new way of working (for those who found themselves remote) alongside the worry of keeping themselves and their family safe and healthy wore many people down quite a bit. Now, with many returning back to the office, policies and procedures are changing yet again and employees must re-adjust. All of this means mental health is on the decline… but employers can take steps to help improve employee well-being. Just follow these tips from one of the leading staffing partners in Nashville.
Five ways to give employee well-being a boost in 2022
The New Year may bring with it new forms of stress, so now is the best possible time to implement strategies to help your employees take care and improve their well-being. Try the following:
- Be flexible. They have a lot to adjust to, from work life to family life and everything in between. A flexible work model is one of the best ways to help your employees. Some may be happier coming in to the office, while others prefer to work at home. A hybrid model can also help you meet the needs of all your workers. Also, allowing employees to use their PTO with no questions asked, such as for a “mental health day,” is the best policy.
- Be understanding. Showing your empathy lets your workers know you care and want the very best for them. If an employee comes to you with a concern, take time to listen and then work together to find a suitable solution.
- Pay attention to workloads. Is anyone feeling overwhelmed with everything they have on their plate? By talking regularly with your workers, you can get a god idea of what everyone has going on and how they’re doing with everything. If someone is feeling overloaded, make adjustments as needed. This could mean bringing on additional employees, if only to help you over a hurdle or through a special project.
- Encourage your workers to ask for help if they need it. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an sign of self-awareness. Remind your employees that it’s OK to come to you with their questions and concerns. Provide access to mental health resources if they need them, such as an Employee Assistance Program.
- Check-in. A simple email each week asking your employees how things are going can be enough. Keep the lines of communication wide open and always stay approachable so your workers feel comfortable asking for help if they need it.
Looking for staffing support?
Wood Personnel understands the frustration of being under-staffed, and we’re here to help. To learn more about our available staffing services, contact us today!