We have all heard about it.
Employee well-being in the workplace and how can we achieve it?
There are also many terms used interchangeably that describe employee well-being. Some of these terms include employee happiness, satisfaction, etc. While we cannot always control what goes on in the workplace, what we can control is how we react to it. This article is going to focus on what employees can do to improve their workplace well-being.
Employee well-being focuses on aspects of your physical, mental, and social health. Aspects that are also covered under workplace well-being include cognitive, emotional, environmental, and physical body. As individuals, I always stress that we need to turn inwards to create our most authentic and peaceful selves. With all the outside stressors we have in our world, it is important to get our minds in order through various exercises we can do and resources we can tap into to become a healthier version of ourselves.
Let’s look at some ways you can work to improve your workplace well-being:
- Tap into your Employee Assistance Program – Often called EAPs, these programs allow employees to access services such as counseling, finance management, health, and more. These services are confidential and can help you with your mental health, stress management, and anxiety, just to name a few. Typically, these programs are offered via phone and are flexible for scheduling based on your personal needs. If you have this benefit from your employer, be sure to check this offer out when needed.
- Plan your long-term goals – Think to yourself, are you planning to stay with your employer for the long term? Or is it just a stepping stone to get you to where you want to be? Think about where you want to be and set up an achievable 5-year plan. I find that five-year plans happen and manifest themselves if I write them down and decide when I want to achieve them. Of course, you should still break down your long-term goals into short-term achievable goals as well.
- Stay fit – We all hear over and over that you will be healthier emotionally if you exercise. This doesn’t mean that you must hit the gym and do hard-core exercises. What it means is that you should do things to keep your body active and in shape. Typically people who work out or stay active achieve better physical and mental health. In addition to that, check to see if your employer offers discounted or free gym memberships! Some offices even have a gym on-site.
- Get to know your co-workers – Getting to know your colleagues is a good way to build up your social life. You do spend 40 hours a week with them, so why not get to know them and make some friends while you are at it. Building relationships both in and out of the workplace are equally important. When you are having a hard day at work, it can be nice to have a friendly face to chat with. Also, if there is an event planning committee join them and help to arrange work picnics or dinners outside of the workplace.
- Be an encourager – Everyone likes to be encouraged. Help others feel their best by giving and receiving encouragement. If your manager or coworkers give you feedback as to how you can do something better, take it with grace and use it as a learning experience. A shift in perspective can greatly improve your outlook if you understand that the feedback you get is only to improve your performance, rather than hinder it.
- Make your environment your own – Do you have your own office or workspace in your workplace? If so, make it your own. Bring some pictures, desk items, and things you use daily to make you feel more relaxed and at ease. If you have a little touch of home in the workplace then you can perform better, while helping to alleviate stressors.
- Flexible scheduling – If your workplace offers the ability to let you choose your hours in the workplace then take advantage of it. Do you need to leave early to pick up your kids from school? If so, consider speaking with your manager about scheduling your day around allowing you to take care of life outside of work. This perk can be a game changer when it comes to you improving your work/life balance if you take advantage of it.
While these are only a few of the ways you can take care of your well-being in the workplace, consider taking advantage of all the benefits your employer offers you. Workplace well-being and taking care of yourself are very important factors in helping you to perform at your highest ability.
Want to talk more about work and career strategies? Connect with me via the contact page or follow me on Instagram @BlissPlusYou.
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