Workplace wellness programs don’t just help with employee retention. Wellness in the workplace also improves employee productivity, well-being, and improves the overall work environment.
Job satisfaction is something that has a ripple effect in one’s life, as negative emotions surrounding one’s work environment can often come home with them and interfere with their overall happiness. It’s crucial to enjoy going to work, rather than dreading it.
Workplace wellness initiatives are especially important to implement for nonprofits. This is because nonprofit workers often make less money, and they’re deserving of a work environment that is healthy and emotionally rewarding.
Making a difference in the world by working in a nonprofit or social enterprise can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be incredibly demanding. Between the long hours, the constant hustle, and the weight of trying to change the world, it's easy for employee well-being to take a backseat. However, it doesn't have to be that way if you know how to prioritize workplace wellness. By incorporating wellness into the workplace, nonprofits can improve employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity, all while making a real, positive impact on the world.
Below are 5 fun ways to incorporate wellness in the workplace for nonprofit organizations:
Get Everyone Moving
We all know that sitting is the new smoking, and that's why it's important to get everyone moving for workplace wellness to thrive. Encourage your employees to take a walk, join a fitness class, or even have a dance party in the office. Other ideas to get everyone moving include scheduled employee yoga classes that are free of charge and a weekly or bi-weekly occurrence.
The key is to find something active that everyone enjoys and that can be done on a regular basis. Not only will this help to improve everyone’s physical health, but it can also boost energy levels and productivity. According to a study conducted by the American Heart Association, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers by up to 50%.
Stress Less With a Zen Room for Workplace Wellness
Stress is an inevitable part of the job, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with it. Provide your employees with resources to manage stress such as meditation apps, coloring books, or even a "Zen room" for quiet contemplation. Stress can have a significant impact on employee well-being and productivity. A study by the American Institute of Stress found that stress is the number one cause of workplace absenteeism and that it costs American businesses up to $300 billion a year.
Flexibility is Key for Workplace Wellness
Nonprofits and social ventures are often known for their long hours and demanding work schedules. To promote wellness, it's important to create a flexible work environment that allows employees to balance their work and personal lives.
Workplace wellness is more likely to be achieved when you provide that flexibility. This could include flexible schedules, remote work options or work-from-home days, and extra vacation days. Furthermore, don't forget to have a "Casual Friday" or "pajama day" every once in a while. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that flexible work arrangements can improve employee morale and reduce turnover.
Encourage Workplace Socializing and Team Building
Strong social connections are vital to employee well-being. Encourage your employees to build connections with one another by organizing social events, team-building activities, or volunteer opportunities as a team. It doesn't have to be fancy, just something that allows everyone to have a little fun and get to know each other better. Building social connections can also help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their job.
Mental Health Matters
Mental health is an essential component of overall wellness, and it's important to create a culture that promotes and supports mental health. This can include providing training on mental health and wellness, offering an Employee Assistance Program, or providing resources for counseling and therapy. Additionally, make sure to address any mental health concerns that are brought to you with empathy, understanding and confidentiality. And don't forget to have a good laugh, it's the best medicine! Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and it's essential to address it in the workplace. A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that employees with untreated mental health conditions are more likely to take short-term disability leave, and that mental health conditions account for an estimated $200 billion in lost productivity each year.
Incorporating wellness into the workplace doesn't have to be boring or expensive. By finding ways to make wellness initiatives fun and engaging, you can improve employee satisfaction and retention, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of the organization. If you are looking for more ways to implement wellness in your workplace, reach out to a wellness consultant to create a customized solution to meet your specific needs for your specific team members, and make your workplace more fun, healthy and productive. Often, a customized solution is necessary to incorporate workplace wellness programs that will truly work and make a difference for your team.
Some people are genetically more prone to struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and people who are prone to these struggles are likely to be among your team members. By incorporating wellness programs into the workplace, you’re being thoughtful about the mental health and overall wellness of your devoted team.
References:
- American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/cardiorespiratory-fitness
- American Institute of Stress: https://www.stress.org/stress-in-the-workplace/
- Society for Human Resource Management: https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/flexibleworkarrangements.aspx
- Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2018/05/having-a-best-friend-at-work-is-actually-really-importantNational Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Publications-Reports/Mental-Health-by-the-Numbers