Many people associate wellbeing with wellness or health, when in actual fact it’s more to do with our daily self feeling rather than our physical or mental health as such. Wellbeing can fluctuate throughout the day but is never stagnant. So we refer to workplace wellbeing as how you feel when you walk through the door. Is it a safe and inclusive environment? Does it make you feel like you are valued and have the ability to grow as an individual.

This is impacted by the culture of the workplace. Workplace culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, behaviours, and norms that shape the work environment within an organisation. According to a study by Deloitte, 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe that a distinct workplace culture is essential for business success. In fact In a survey conducted by Glassdoor, 56% of employees stated that company culture is more important than salary when it comes to job satisfaction. And as we already know according to a Harvard Business School study, toxic workplace cultures can lead to increased employee stress, burnout, and higher turnover rates.

How can we ensure that our workplace is making a positive impact on our wellbeing when we walk through the door?

Improving workplace culture to positively impact employee well-being requires a comprehensive and ongoing effort from organisations. Here are some strategies that workplaces can implement:

1. Foster a Positive and Inclusive Environment: Cultivate a culture that promotes respect, inclusivity, and open communication. Encourage diversity and ensure all employees feel valued and included, regardless of their background or identity.

2. Lead by Example: Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. Leaders should demonstrate positive behaviours, communicate effectively, and show genuine care for employee well-being. Their actions set the tone for the rest of the organisation.

3. Establish Clear Values and Purpose: Define the core values and purpose of the organisation and ensure they are communicated effectively to all employees. This creates a sense of belonging, meaning, and alignment with the company's mission.

4. Encourage Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, encouraging breaks, and setting realistic workload expectations. Avoid a culture that glorifies overwork and supports a healthy integration of work and personal life.

5. Provide Learning and Development Opportunities: Invest in employee growth and development. Offer training programs, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. When employees feel supported in their professional development, it enhances their well-being and engagement.

6. Foster Collaboration and Teamwork: Encourage collaboration and teamwork across departments and hierarchical levels. Foster an environment where ideas are shared, and employees feel comfortable collaborating with their peers. This helps build positive relationships and improves overall job satisfaction.

7. Recognise and Reward Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate employee accomplishments. Implement recognition programs that highlight individual and team achievements. Recognising employees' efforts boosts morale, motivation, and overall well-being.

8. Promote Health and Wellness Initiatives: Offer wellness programs that prioritise physical and mental health. Provide resources such as access to fitness facilities, mental health support services, and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

9. Encourage Feedback and Engagement: Create avenues for employees to provide feedback, suggestions, and express concerns. Regularly seek employee input on workplace policies, procedures, and initiatives. Actively involve employees in decision-making processes to foster a sense of ownership and empowerment.

10. Support Work Relationships: Encourage positive work relationships by organising team-building activities, social events, and fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Strong interpersonal connections contribute to a positive workplace culture and employee well-being.

11. Prioritise Mental Health Support: Implement initiatives to support mental health, such as offering mental health resources, promoting stress management techniques, and training managers to recognise and support employees' mental health needs.

12. Continuously Evaluate and Evolve: Regularly assess workplace culture and seek feedback from employees. Use surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one discussions to gauge employee satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Actively respond to feedback and adapt strategies accordingly.

Remember, improving workplace culture is an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort from all levels of the organisation. By prioritising employee well-being and creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment, organisations can significantly impact the overall well-being and satisfaction of their employees.

If this blog post has been useful to you, why not schedule a call and find out what more Teesside Health Co can do for your organisation. We offer a tailored package call The Ecosystem, it comprises of our wellbeing engagement service, app platinum wellbeing, a health cash plan and our highly regarded consultancy. Book a free no obligation consultation by clicking the link; https://calendly.com/harry-teessidehealthco/30min