Last month we talked about wellbeing strategies – what they are and why it’s a good idea for your business to create one. So, what’s next? With your strategy in place, the best thing you can do is lead by example. Fostering a healthy workplace and prioritising employee wellbeing is key. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of leading by example in promoting employee wellbeing, and how this contributes to a positive work environment.
Leading by example
Leading by example involves modelling the conduct and behaviour you want to see in your managers and employees, demonstrating a genuine commitment to a healthy work-life balance, and prioritising your own general health and wellbeing.
You can set the tone by making sure you take regular breaks – and enabling your workforce to do so, too. Make sure you take your allocated annual leave, and normalise leaving work on time. As a leader, your own commitment to work-life balance sends a powerful message that you value the overall wellbeing of your employees.
Provide support when needed
Normalising conversations about emotional and physical wellbeing can go a long way towards removing the stigma attached to seeking support. You can create an inclusive and open place of work by promoting a culture of respect and acceptance – and encouraging your managers to do the same. (You may decide to organise diversity and inclusivity training to help with this.)
A sign of a good manager is knowing your team, and recognising when something isn’t quite as it should be. Don’t be afraid to ask employees if everything is all right, or whether there’s anything they want to share with you – and always ask again if you think the person may be hiding their true feelings. All too often, we ask people how they are and they answer with an automatic “fine”, although they are really far from fine.
Look out for signs such as decreased productivity, increased absence – or spending more time at work – and how the employee is interacting with the team. If a team member opens up to you, offer support as and when you can. In some cases, it might be more appropriate to signpost to an external organisation (such as Mind).
Offer appropriate and effective training
Delivering training is a proven way to develop your workforce, and it can also enhance your team’s capabilities and empathies. Training for mental health first-aiders, or in equality and diversity, would be an excellent starting point for promoting improved wellbeing. At Moss HR, we offer courses on a range of wellbeing issues, such as recognising and dealing with domestic abuse, working with neurodiversity, or financial wellbeing, which may be beneficial to your team. Contact us for a full range of courses, which can be tailored to your specific organisation and needs.
What leading by example can do for your business
By prioritising wellbeing, and leading by example, you’re creating a change in culture. The benefits to your business include:
- Reduced absenteeism
- Increased productivity
- Increased staff retention and reduced turnover
- Increased employee motivation and engagement
How we can help
It’s never too early to kickstart your employee wellbeing journey. In fact, it’s better to start before an issue arises. Rather than being forced to react to a wellbeing issue, a cultural focus on wellbeing will help you to be prepared, proactive, and fully able to concentrate on the needs of your employee and the positives of the situation when an issue arises. Contact us to talk about how you can implement changes to enhance your overall wellbeing strategy.