4 Ways to Promote Well-being in Your Team
Topic of the Week
As a manager, you play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment that supports the well-being of your team. This is a critical aspect of employee engagement and all the benefits that come from that.
It is important to remember that you're not expected to be a therapist or solve all their problems. Use the resources at your availability to get employees the help they need. This may mean referring them to HR or the EAP program (if you company has one). Know your limits and boundaries before you start.
Here are four practical ways you can promote well-being without feeling overwhelmed:
1. Check-in Regularly
Start by asking your team members how they are doing on a scale of 1-10. This simple question can provide valuable insights into their mental and emotional state. If someone rates their well-being low, take the time to have a deeper conversation with them. Listen actively and offer support where you can. I recommend you start all of your 1-on-1’s with this question. That way, it can help you set a direction for the meeting.
2. Release the Gas
Avoid pushing your team members to work at 100% capacity all the time. Research shows that individuals who operate at around 85% capacity are more likely to sustain their performance over the long term. Encourage a healthy work-life balance and provide opportunities for rest and recovery. This also means ensuring that employees disconnect from the office when at home. Set the expectation that they won’t work weekends or nights except in rare cases.
3. Share Resources
Many large companies offer a variety of resources to support employee well-being, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements. Make sure your team is aware of these resources and encourage them to take advantage of them. Remember, EAPs are not just for emergencies—they can provide support for a wide range of personal and professional challenges. EAPs are greatly underutilized in companies.
I would even consider bringing HR reps to team meetings on occasion to discuss the benefits and programs being offered by the organization.
4. Provide Flexibility
Recognize that your team members have lives outside of work. Offer flexibility in scheduling to allow them to attend important events, such as a child's school activity or a fitness class. These small gestures can have a big impact on morale and overall well-being.
By implementing these simple strategies, you can promote a culture of well-being within your team, leading to increased engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction. Start small and gradually incorporate these practices into your management style to create a positive and supportive work environment for your team.
In the comments, share some things you do as a manager to promote employee well-being.