In any business, it is essential to maintain a high level of productivity. But how can you ensure that your staff is working to their best ability? The key is to care for them. Showing that you value your employees and their well-being motivates them to give their best performance.
There are ways to do this, and you should find what works best for your team.
What Is Employee Care?
Employee care is the process of taking care of your staff’s health and well-being. This includes both their physical and mental health. It is vital to have a healthy workforce, as unhealthy employees can lead to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism rates, and even accidents in the workplace.
Benefits of Employee Care to Your Business
- Higher Productivity. When your employees are healthy and happy, they are more productive. They are less likely to take sick days or be absent from work, and they tend to put in extra effort when necessary.
- Lower Absenteeism Rates. In Canada, employers lose $16.6 billion in productivity every year due to absenteeism because of mental health issues. If you provide your workers with the tools they need to take care of their mental health, you can reduce these rates.
- Fewer Accidents. Unhealthy and unhappy employees are more likely to have accidents in the workplace. When you take care of your staff’s well-being, you create a safer workplace for everyone.
How to Provide Employee Care
There are many ways to provide employee care. The most important thing is to find what works best for your team.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Offer Mental Health Support
Mental health support is one of the most critical forms of employee care. According to statistics, 1 in 3 Canadians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime.
Make sure your workplace has a policy on mental health and that employees know where to go for help. Some companies offer programs that help employees deal with mental health problems, like EFAP counselling.
EFAP counselling is an example of an internet-based program that your employees can access anytime, anywhere.
2. Create a Healthy Workplace Environment
A healthy workplace environment is essential for both physical and mental health. Ensure your office has plenty of natural light, fresh air, and plants.
Offer healthy food options and encourage employees to take breaks. Promote a positive work-life balance by giving employees time off for holidays and special events.
If you can’t provide these to your employees due to lack of time and resources, consider hiring companies providing these services, such as LifeWorks. A part of what they do to address this issue is an alternative wellness service.
3. Training and Development Opportunities
Employees who feel stagnant in their roles are less likely to be productive. Offer your employees training and development opportunities to help them grow in their careers.
This could include courses, workshops, and even online learning modules.
4. Fair Compensation
It is crucial to compensate employees fairly for their work. This helps them feel valued and encourages them to do their best. If you can’t offer a competitive salary, consider other forms of compensation, such as flexible working arrangements or benefits packages.
5. Positive Company Culture
Positive company culture is another important factor in employee care. Employees who feel supported and valued by their company are more likely to be productive.
Make sure your company values work-life balance, allows for creativity and innovation, wellbeing tech, and has a sense of humor.
Final Thoughts
Employee care is an integral part of running a successful business. By taking care of your staff’s physical and mental health, you can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism rates, and create a safer workplace. There are many ways to provide employee care, so find what works best for your team.
On top of these, consider hiring companies to help you with your workplace health and wellbeing. Ensure to choose one that has experience with a company like yours.
