March 23, 2023

Our Step Forward into Volunteering and Employment team, which ​provides tailored support for people in North Cumbria who are facing challenges ​from Severe Mental Health Experiences, discuss the importance of looking after your employees.

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As human beings we know we perform and behave better when our needs are met; it therefore goes without saying that this rule applies to the work place; an environment where we spend a significant amount of time.

When needs are met employees display, present and exhibit healthier behaviours and make better decisions. They can support, encourage and motivate colleagues and identify opportunities that benefit their workplace environment. In turn morale is higher, self esteem is elevated and individuals feel valued; if we go even further and throw kindness, compassion, good communication and understanding into the workplace pot; then we very nearly have an ideal scenario!

Meeting physical and mental needs within the work place is not an accomplishment that occurs without effort, putting in place and implementing the structures and strategies that enable employees to thrive, develop and sustain motivation and dedication takes thought and active participation from both employee and employer.
The employer has a duty of care to meet the needs of the individual and the employee has a duty to inform the employer of their needs, otherwise there is just a chasm, a hole where needs unidentified are unmet.

Communication is effective to fill this hole, but communication that is honest and transparent on both sides. Communication that is then met with a conducive and supportive response and a listening ear that can facilitate reasonable adjustments; which enable the sustainment, retention and maintenance of a skilled and talented work force is the ultimate and ideal goal!

Is it this simple? Obviously not… because we know there are unlimited stories of the employer and employee relationship breaking down. So why is it worth the effort to get it right? The benefits are well known – increased productivity, reduced staff turnover, reduction in sickness absence and possible long term sickness complications, and increased loyalty. If you get it right, you can get the carriage clocks bought for those long serving employees, who can and will share the brilliance and wonders of your organisation and its approach to its much-valued employees. Your employees are your marketing tool and have influence over your customers and we know customer experience is key. Human stories carry impact and weight and resonate with listening ears!

History gives us stories of those who got it right and we have much to learn from them!

So what can we do to ensure the workplace is a hive of contentment and productivity? We can create the right culture, allow room for growth, expression of identity and ideas, cultivate good values and behaviours, share successes and learning, make the work satisfying and as stimulating as it can be, encourage the right work life balance, implement some wellbeing schemes that make a difference – be off on your birthday/your child’s birthday, pay at the right rate and provide good pension and company schemes, offer flexible hours or hybrid working; and all being well your employees could end up in a workplace where they have a sense of belonging. All are examples of what could and should happen, but it is not realistic to think they will always be in place…however the right values, behaviours and approach where individuals are respected, valued and recognised for their contribution and commitment is an excellent starting point.

Offering to help and supporting employees, being transparent, demonstrating your trust in your employees and getting to know them can break down barriers, scheduling in social times and aspiring to build upon and strengthen relationships is a positive approach.

In harmony with this – being observant and conscientious enough to initiate conversations when an employee who presents as stressed, frustrated or displays a change in behaviours is commendable and heart-warming! Offering the right support to steer and guide them to the place where support can be reached or given is not an enormous ask. Stand by your employees through difficult times; and be prepared to demonstrate what is acceptable from clients and customers when communicating and working with your employees.

Create a safe and illuminating environment that allows individuals to feel safe and comfortable. Look after every member of the team and get to know their unique strengths, skills and talents, ask them about their day, weekend, family and friends, generate the “open door culture” that sustains and maintains wellbeing. Challenge behaviours and cultures that threaten wellbeing and positive mental health and be prepared to make and embrace positive changes that improve and develop the right culture, environment, behaviours and attitudes.

Plan ahead, communicate and listen effectively at all junctures and keep employees informed, build links with organisations that support wellbeing and participate in community events and explore an employer supported volunteering policy (ESV), so employees can give back, invest and be part of shaping the community in which they live.

Place a high value on positive mental and physical health – a simple thank you goes along way and smiles are contagious. They spread and open the lines of communication. Build resilience training and wellbeing coping strategies into the training and skills your organisation expects and asks for as part of the competencies they want the employee to evidence. Make your employees emotionally intelligent and give them the emotional and mental tools to keep themselves and others well. Actively encourage employees to champion wellbeing in and out of the workplace, aim for the people-centric approach and be realistic that at times the employer and company may fall short, but learn from this and grow from the experience, do not close doors and put up barriers.

So the message is nurture your employees. Look at working patterns; do they sustain your vision for a healthy team, can you encourage exercise to maintain wellbeing, can you implement employee assistance programmes and can you incorporate mental health first aiders into your working day? What can you do, are willing to do and want to do..?

Whatever you decide…it will make a difference and it is a start to a better and healthier life for your valued employees.