Research has shown that a happy workforce makes for a more productive office. Employees who feel that their company cares about staff wellbeing are more likely to feel committed, engaged and productive at work.
Northampton-based smartcard technology firm Novacroft has introduced a range of initiatives to boost office happiness, while also promoting a strong sense of team spirit.
Founder and CEO Debra Charles says: “Creating a real sense of belonging is an integral part of our culture and the way that we behave and communicate with each other. It is important that everybody feels safe and valued in the workplace.”
The company enters a fit and feisty group into the local Rock Solid race every year – a full-on cocktail of mud, sweat and teamwork. Badminton, golf and football are among the other regular after-work activities put on for staff.
“We also looked at self-esteem,” says Charles. “There is a direct correlation between how someone feels about themselves and how they perform at work. Once we had the working environment and culture right, we put in a measurable way of moving team members into a better place, which in turn has delivered a better result for our business.”
Ask for feedback
As part of its staff wellness initiative, office-space search engine Office Genie runs a series of wellness workshops focusing on posture, with a yogic influence, stress in the workplace, nutrition, and sleep.
The idea emerged after the company sought feedback from its 32 employees via an anonymous survey. The results revealed a worrying trend – staff didn’t feel confident about managing their workloads when they had tight deadlines.
Head of strategy Peter Ames says: “This was the main cause of their work-related stress, which gave us the idea for an associated wellness workshop run by a member of staff, someone with qualifications in areas such as hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and mind coaching.”
Office manager Marta Bartolik also suggested hosting a sleep clinic. She says: “I felt people often talk about how food, stress and lack of exercise affects their health, but they forget about sleep, which is such a fundamental thing in terms of wellbeing.”
The company invited insomnia specialist Kathryn Pinkham to run a workshop, which provided practical advice about getting a good night’s rest. It proved to be one of the most popular of all of the wellness events. Overall, the series has been a roaring success.
Ames says: “The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback suggesting that 100% of people have found a workshop useful; 95% have implemented things they learned, and 85% say they have noticed an improvement in their wellbeing.”
Don’t forget remote workers
Edinburgh-based FreeAgent is a provider of cloud accounting software for freelancers and micro-businesses. The business currently employs 90 people, several of whom work remotely from various corners of the UK.
CEO Ed Molyneux says: “The health of our employees is very important. We provide everyone with an Aeron chair to help improve their posture and try to provide standing desks to any members of staff who request them. We have regular deliveries of fresh fruit and operate a bike-to-work scheme to further promote healthy living.”
Other initiatives include flexible working arrangements, specially designed pods and break-out spaces, and an area where staff can play table tennis and pool. The bi-annual Hack Days involving the entire workforce (including the remote team), are a highlight for everyone in the company.
“Ninety people who don’t normally work alongside each other on a day-to-day basis down tools for 48 hours and work on creative projects, which fosters collaboration and builds good staff morale,” says Molyneux.
“It’s important to us that our people don’t just feel like they’re working for a generic corporate entity, so we try to think a little differently when it comes to our office environment and work practices. It’s a commitment that has served us well over the years.”
Be flexible
Organisations clearly have plenty of choices about how to keep employees healthy and happy, but which initiatives are the most effective?
According to organisational psychologist Dr Alan Dowler, head of innovation at TSW Training, flexible working ranks as one of the best.
“With new developments in technology, it’s easier than ever for businesses to allow employees to work remotely”, he says. “It may not always be a practical long-term arrangement, but flexible working can help employees maintain a manageable work-life balance, especially those with young children and caring responsibilities.”
If flexible working is not an option, ensuring staff take proper breaks can make a huge difference to staff physical and mental wellbeing. A well-designed work environment will also improve concentration and productivity.
“Things like natural light, temperature and workspace are all important, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth to create a comfortable and inspiring space,” says Dr Dowler.
Asking employees how the company can improve their wellbeing is one of the most useful starting points. Carry out regular staff surveys, ask for feedback and – most importantly – act on it. Even a small change can make a big difference.
“Offering attractive benefits will make employees feel that their employer cares about their health and wellbeing,” says Dr Dowler. ”Offering to pay for gym memberships or other sporting activities will encourage active lifestyles and lead to happier, healthier staff. There is a well-proven link between healthy employees and productivity.”
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