The responsibilities that come with starting a business can be overwhelming and seem impossible at times. You may believe in your product or service, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have many competitors and you have a lot to fight for. For the first few years, it may feel like everything is about profit.
How will your business succeed? What are the best ways to generate more revenue and how will your company stay ahead of the competition?
Startup founders naturally care about ROI, but there are certain, not-so-obvious aspects of running a company that may not be obvious at this point. Ignoring them can really set you back in the long run. One factor that has not been adequately addressed is employee well-being.
Hiring the right employees is definitely important, but it’s only one side of the coin and the flip side of it is retention.But how long will Prize employees continue to work if they feel their health is not being considered? a quarter of the general public It is estimated that 25% of employees who experience mental illness at some point in their lives may experience a range of issues including depression, anxiety, severe stress and burnout.
Being proactive about benefits and starting on schedule can help employees feel safe and open up during difficult times. Let’s discuss employee benefits, why they matter, and how startups can care about employee benefits.
Why is employee well-being important?
It may sound logical that companies that openly demonstrate their care and commitment to engagement and well-being will thrive, but what about the statistics? Why is employee well-being so important, and why? Let’s dig into the reasons behind why startups need to put in so much effort to build a commitment to employee well-being from day one.
Improving employee health
Employee benefits programs help improve the mental, physical, financial and emotional health of employees. A study also found that a healthy employee is 74% more likely to be satisfied with his or her job, and is also more resilient, positive and productive. It is a matter of course. Employees who are near burnout are less likely to perform at their best. In addition, better employee health in general can lead to fewer sick leave and unjust leave.
Increased productivity and engagement
We touched on the fact that healthy employees are happier employees and are much more productive. When employees are healthy and happy, they are more likely to work harder and do more. While this is great for your employees, it will also be a real benefit to the company as a whole and will start to foster a bright and positive work environment.
3. Improving recruitment and retention
recruitment and Retention remains a pressing issue For businesses of all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, but it’s probably hard to find the right people and retain them for the long term. This is where an employee benefits program can help. If you show your employees that you are sensitive to their needs and requirements, and that you value engagement and morale, they will feel more at home and more likely to stick with your company. Additionally, your reputation for being a people-first company will grow, which will certainly benefit your future recruiting efforts.
Sign up for Small Business Digital Ready to discover and access free events focused on small business.
6 Ways Startups Can Promote Employee Health
Understanding the importance of employee well-being is another thing, but how can we put it into practice, especially when money is a very real issue? is not. Here are some key tips for building a wellbeing commitment from day one.
1. Develop a benefits program
Startups should start by implementing wellbeing programs that include initiatives that promote employee health and wellbeing. This includes initiatives to promote employee health and well-being, such as regular checkups and exercise classes (many companies these days are trying to incorporate yoga as a calming exercise). increase. Dining options in the staff room. Wellbeing programs also provide resources to improve employee mental health, including access to therapy.
2. Conducting employee surveys
It is recommended to introduce and implement it on a regular basis. employee health survey To show employees that well-being is a priority within the organization. This can show your employees that happiness is something you take seriously, not just a tick-a-box. Wellbeing surveys can be customized to your organization and are designed to get to the heart of employee mood, engagement and motivation while highlighting risk factors. Such surveys also provide tracking data, which can help you track employee health over time.
3. Encourage exercise
Exercise stimulates the flow of feel-good hormones and is a great starting point for improving your health. While more established companies often buy gym memberships for their employees, startups that want to start small can offer group fitness classes so they can focus on their office efforts and keep their teams engaged. It also has the added benefit of providing an opportunity to bond with others.It’s worth getting creative and thinking about what works for your business – some companies do walking meetingother business provide a vacation for physical activity.
4. Offer healthy snacks and meals
Because our food is our fuel, it is a great building block for improving well-being at work. If you have a staff room, consider providing healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. You can also order lunch, which includes salads and sandwiches.
5. Promote work-life balance
All employers are now worried about quiet retirement, but this should not be mistaken for a healthy work-life balance. Employees who are always first in, last out may be lighting candles on both ends, which causes burnout. Encourage employees to prevent overwork and ensure that they take annual paid leave. Managers should lead by example and refrain from excessive working hours. Employees will inevitably mirror your behavior, so it’s best to demonstrate a healthy attitude towards work.
6. Providing Mental Health Support
These days, many companies offer free mental health support to their employees, ensuring that they have someone to turn to when they feel overwhelmed. Provide a neutral third party that can help manage employees, as well as support and guidance, as employees may be uncomfortable speaking to their direct supervisor for a variety of reasons when they are having difficulty It is always best to have a third party trained to Communicate their thoughts and feelings in a healthy way.
Employee welfare initiatives don’t have to be extravagant or expensive. You can start small with meaningful gestures and expand over time. The key is to start day one by showing employees that well-being is and has always been a focus. If you put it off for later, it may be completely forgotten. Taking happiness into account from the start will ensure your business remains strong and resilient for years to come.