Is It Possible To Make A Direct Positive Impact On Employee Health?

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As business owners, it’s important that we allow our employees to be themselves when they leave work, and to allow them to have those personal lives without our interference. We’re just their employer at the end of the day, not their life coach or parent.

However, it’s also true that if an employee can spend from one quarter to one third of their lives at work, what happens in our premises and under our control has a lot to do with how they develop as a person. For this reason, taking on this responsibility to provide them with the right atmosphere and tools to thrive is essential.

But while we may focus on training seminars and helping them upskill their general needs, it’s also a good idea to talk about making a positive impact on employee health and what that could mean.  Without interfering as stated before, and certainly not getting involved outside of thorough support should someone fall ill, we believe we have some worthwhile help to push you forward.

Cleanliness, Hygiene & Protections
Of course, the first measure worth talking about is that of ensuring the cleanliness, hygiene and general protections of the office environment you provide. On top of that, making sure the bulk health essentials of neutralizing bacteria and fighting against viruses can help you avoid long-term downtime based on staff sickness. On top of this, it’s also important to make sure you offer support to those who may be struggling, after all long-Covid has been considered to be one of the most pressing recent issues affecting the wellbeing of the workforce.

Work/Life Balances
A healthy work/life balance inspires employees to continually show up to work as their best self, and they do so willingly. If employees feel as though their private hours are constantly dedicated to managing communications, or if days off are regularly subverted, it’s not hard for your staff to feel dismayed, annoyed, and even actively hostile to your management. In some countries, like France for example, they have outlawed forcing your employee to respond to work communications during their off-hours, unless otherwise stipulated in an agreed contact (for those who are on call etc). These kinds of principles show the sort of structure we should apply to our own firm, and why that’s so important.

Employee Wellness Programs
Of course, it can also be worthwhile to take the initiative as far as employee workplace programs are considered. For example, you may decide to integrate a ‘cycle to work’ plan, where  you may even pay half the cost of a new bike if that means your employee will cycle to work. This pays dividends in that it helps your staff feel healthier, more motivated and interested, turning up to work in a great mood. It also prevents them from taking up a car parking space, and is a good way to market your employee wellness and lessening of carbon emission priorities.

With this advice, you’re certain to make a direct and positive impact on employee health, without eroding their privacy.