In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on stress and its connection to employee health in numerous workplaces. There are several factors that can cause or exacerbate employee stress, and while many of these may not even be connected to the employer or workplace, taking on appropriate strategies for combatting employee stress and increasing comfort is important.
At Nielsen Benefits Group, we assist business clients around Sandy with all their employee benefit and insurance needs, including approaches like health benefit culture transformations that are often enormously impactful to businesses. While part one of our series went over why employee health and lowering stress levels are important for employers, today’s part two will look into some simple approaches for staying cognizant and on top of these concepts with your staff.
Surveys and Other Forms of Measurement
First and foremost, having a solid understanding of where your employees currently stand with regards to stress and health levels is important. This will help inform your potential strategies for keeping them healthier and lowering stress levels – without knowing what they’re up against, how can you expect to make any true progress?
To do this, consider implementing regular surveys or other forms of measurement that allow your team members to anonymously report on their own stress and health levels. Many major companies do this regularly, including major players like Google and Facebook – anonymous surveys can help you learn a lot about your workforce’s needs without putting any undue pressure on them or making them feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts.
Top-Down Prioritization
On top of having the proper information to work with, it’s also important that your entire company, from top to bottom, is prioritizing employee health and well-being. This can’t just be something the HR department or your benefits team focus on – management must be involved and setting a positive example as well.
For instance, this could involve encouraging employees to take breaks throughout the day, or even instituting mandatory leave days for mental health or vacation purposes. It might also mean allowing employees the flexibility they need to handle personal matters that may be impacting their stress levels.
Culture of Support
Finally, it’s important to create a culture within your workplace where supporting employee health and wellness is seen as a top priority. This means having open and honest communication with your team, offering resources and support for mental health and stress management, and actively promoting work-life balance.
Not only does this demonstrate that you care about your employees beyond just their productivity, but it also helps create a more positive and productive work environment overall. When individuals feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work.
Addressing stress levels and employee health in the workplace is crucial for both the well-being of your team and the success of your business. By implementing strategies like regular surveys, top-down prioritization, and a culture of support, you can make positive changes that benefit everyone involved.
At Nielsen Benefits Group, we are dedicated to helping businesses create a healthier and happier workforce through our comprehensive employee benefit solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist your company in developing an effective health benefit culture transformation. Together, we can make a positive impact on the well-being of your employees and the success of your business.
