Although being employed is supposed to be a great thing for our mental health, a negative, or toxic working environment can undo all of the benefits. The World Health Organization provides this list of factors that can turn the workplace into a toxic environment that’s more harmful than beneficial for its employees’ mental health. This list includes:
- inadequate health and safety policies;
- poor communication and management practices;
- limited participation in decision-making or low control over one’s area of work;
- low levels of support for employees;
- inflexible working hours; and
- Unclear tasks or organizational objectives.
With these harmful factors in mind, we’ve come up with 4 strategies that employers can use to improve the experience employees have with your company. Although they may not apply to all industries, you can modify these ideas to fit your workspace.
Establish a Protocol for Substance Abuse
Using drugs or alcohol in the workplace is a major problem, and it’s quite common too. In fact, substance abuse leads to dangerous accidents, decreased productivity, conflict, absenteeism, and a negative work environment. Employers who aren’t prepared may respond to an employee’s substance abuse ineffectively. Punishing, or firing an employee who’s misusing drugs and alcohol is not the best thing for that employee or your company, and it can be more expensive in the long run. Supporting employees while they recover from a substance abuse problem can be more cost effective because hiring and training someone new is a costly, and slow process.
The best way to support your employees and keep the company moving along is to support them when they need help, and provide treatment so they can get back to work. Consult with an intervention specialist about what kind of options are appropriate. If necessary, determine which inpatient drug rehabilitation centers will make the most sense with your health plan and the individual employee’s needs.
Communicate Consciously with Employees
Sometimes, employers may not be aware that the way they’re communicating with their employees is causing unnecessary stress, anxiety, and insecurity which can not only hurt the employee, but it can also hurt the whole company. Workers that are constantly anxious and fearful about losing their job may produce sub-par work and refrain from taking initiative. Therefore, it’s better to encourage employees, and communicate effectively without causing unnecessary stress.
When providing feedback, always offer praise and embrace failures with understanding. Also, try to provide specific, timely communication to all employees. And, don’t forget: A simple thank you goes a long way.
Receive Employee Feedback
Having no say in company decisions can be frustrating for employees. Especially when those decisions directly affect employees’ lives, and the work they’re doing. Giving employees a little more power to make decisions will combat apathy, disinterest, boredom, and frustration. Furthermore, it will encourage creative thinking and a greater personal investment in the company which will improve the quality of the work you receive.
Collect feedback from your group; ask them what ideas they have, and if there are things about the workplace they’d like to improve. Electronic survey tools are a good way to collect opinions about any specific upcoming decision. For general suggestions, simply invite your employees to contribute their ideas as they come and remind them that their opinions are always welcome.
Weight Training Program for Depression
Many studies have found exercise have many mental and physical health benefits. You can organize weight training program and encourage employees for bodybuilding that will help your employee reduce stress level at workplace. Weight training is not only for gaining weight or strength; this is about to developing confidence and reducing mental stress. Even you can guide your employees for bodybuilding supplements that enhance the testosterone level and help to gain muscles. For example, Aaspharmacy offers best bodybuilding supplements online. You can guide them what, how and where you can buy best products online.
Lunch Meetings
An easy way to bring more interest and joy into the workplace is by changing the way you do meetings. Instead of getting together during usual working hours, try doing a lunch meeting where the office provides a special meal to bring everyone together. Instead of the typical fare of donuts and coffee, try something that will get the group excited. Think: takeout from the new Thai place, or fresh bagels with yummy fillings. Lunch meetings have a celebratory, relaxed feel, which can encourage employees to more readily participate and contribute their thoughts and ideas to the group. Also, providing a special lunch will make employees feel more appreciated; it’s a kind gesture, and also a sign that you care about their experience.
The simple steps we make to engage our employees, and support their mental wellbeing will go a long way in terms of workplace atmosphere, productivity, and your company’s reputation. Consider trying out these 4 ideas in your workplace, and watch your employees flourish.
Guys, hello everyone! What technologies and strategies for business development are best to use now?
It seems to me that business development is primarily affected by how optimized the workflow is and how convenient it is for employees to work and integrate work with each other. I contacted intranet development company to have specialists create convenient software or a portal for me and my employees. I think this is a good solution for my business.
That’s actually useful, thanks for the post! I believe that good condition of your employees actually plays a huge role on your business in general, and it’s one of the most important aspects for employers to consider. Of course, it’s also necessary to take care of your working processes and optimize everything using solutions like this one, but it doesn’t mean that you should totally forget about your people.