Fast Tracking Workplace Wellness
Business
Conversations surrounding mental health and workplace wellbeing are more prevalent than ever – and for good reason. When organizations prioritize the mental wellness of their employees it has a powerful effect on each employee, team members and the overall company.
However, despite increasing awareness
around the importance of mental health in the workplace, data suggests that there
is ample room for improvement. A report from McKinsey shares that 75% of
employees believe stigma around mental health still exists in their workplaces.
Meanwhile, a Forrester survey reveals that 49% of workers worry that sharing
how they feel mentally could lead to job-related repercussions.
In 2023, how can businesses truly
embrace and support mental wellbeing, for the benefit of their employees and
themselves?
According to the Office of the Surgeon General, one of the crucial components to workplace mental health is Connection and Community. Within Connection and Community are three distinct -- yet interconnected – facets:
- Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging
- Cultivating trusted relationships
- Fostering collaboration and teamwork
Organizations that prioritize these key elements of community will build teams that feel connected, grounded, and supported.
One easy step that businesses can take
towards this goal includes implementing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs),
as well as Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. ERGs are voluntary, employee-organized
groups that connect members based on shared interests, life experiences,
characteristics, and more. DEI initiatives come in many shapes and forms, but similarly
aim to promote inclusion and foster connection by viewing employees
holistically. Such initiatives are especially important for a growing
enterprise or global business; providing employees with the opportunity to
unite over shared backgrounds, values, interests, or beliefs is key. These safe
spaces, whether in-person or virtual, allow team members to find commonality
and community amidst their day-to-day work lives. When organizations provide
opportunities for true Connection and Community, it directly translates to an
increased sense of belonging for employees.
Work-Life
harmonization
Equally as important to fostering community, the Office of the Surgeon General states that Work-Life Harmony is a crucial implication in workplace mental health. In order to navigate Work-Life Harmony, organizations should:
- Provide autonomy over how work is done
- Make schedules as flexible and predictable as possible
- Increase access to paid leave
- Respect boundaries between employee work and non-work time
For example, the
widespread adoption of hybrid work environments has been a great catalyst for
better balanced Work-Life Harmony. As a business evolves to include flexible
schedules or hybrid work policies, it instills a sense of respect, autonomy,
and trust in employees. The result is a strengthened relationship between
employees and employers, where team members feel recognized as whole and valued
individuals.
Opportunity
for Growth programs
Another way that
businesses can advance mental wellbeing in the workplace is through Opportunity
for Growth programs. The Office of the Surgeon General outlines this as: offering
quality training, education, and mentoring, fostering clear, equitable pathways
for career advancement, and ensuring relevant, reciprocal feedback.
Creating genuine Opportunity
for Growth programs in these ways solidifies the value that employees hold in
their organizations and drives deeper respect. Employees in full-time positions
dedicate a large portion of their time and energy to work, so it’s only
appropriate that they look to their employers for equal investment. Providing
access to educational platforms, opportunities to reskill and upskill,
mentorship programs and more, is vastly critical to ensuring that employees
feel authentically valued. Feedback, check-ins, and ongoing investment from
employers establishes an environment of encouragement, engagement, and growth.
Benefits of prioritizing
mental wellbeing
Striving for mental
health in the workplace not only impacts employees in a myriad of positive
ways, but it also sends a ripple effect throughout the organization. When
companies prioritize the mental wellbeing of their employees, those teams
become more agile, resilient, and equipped to flourish. A study from The
Workforce Institute reveals that when people have positive mental health, 63%
say they’re committed to their work and 80% say they are energized. The great
news is that generating better practices around workplace wellness does not
need to be daunting – it starts right here. Building Connection and Community, initiating
Work-Life Harmony, and providing Opportunity for Growth paths are proven
solutions that businesses can take to see their teams thrive.
At Synechron, we believe in the power of digital to transform businesses for the better. Our global consulting firm combines creativity and innovative technology to deliver industry-leading digital solutions. Synechron’s progressive technologies and optimization strategies span end-to-end Consulting, Design, Cloud, Data, and Engineering, servicing an array of noteworthy financial services and technology firms. Through research and development initiatives in our FinLabs we develop solutions for modernization, from Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence to Data Science models, Digital Underwriting, mobile-first applications and more. Over the last 20+ years, our company has been honored with multiple employer awards, recognizing our commitment to our talented teams. With top clients to boast about, Synechron has a global workforce of 14,000+, and has 40 offices in 17 countries within key global markets. For more information on the company, please visit our website or LinkedIn community.
References:
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/workplace-mental-health-well-being.pdf
