Improving Well-Being at Work: WELL Certification and Other Tips
Improving well-being at work has become an important objective for enterprises that prioritize the health and happiness of their employees. More than simply physical health, this includes the mental, emotional, and social well-being of each team member. Explore various strategies to improve well-being at work that will also impact productivity and the long-term success of your enterprise.
What is Well-Being at Work?
Well-being at work is a crucial concept that includes the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees, as well as their satisfaction and commitment to their job.
By favouring an environment that values health in every form, organizations can observe an increase in productivity and a decrease in absenteeism due to more motivated and committed employees. You will then have a more stable and efficient workforce. Investing in well-being at work is not only beneficial for the individuals, but also for the health and long-term success of enterprises.
How to Improve Well-Being at Work?
1. WELL Certification
The WELL Certification has positioned itself as a precious resource to help integrate health and improve well-being at work. By focussing on the building and its mechanics, design, and human resources, WELL places humans at the heart of workspace design. Its 10 concepts provide guidelines to help with your decision-making process and the changes you should implement:
- Air
- Water
- Light
- Nourishment
- Thermal comfort
- Sound
- Materials
- Movement
- Mind
- Community
2. Make Health a Priority
Happy and healthy employees are more susceptible of being productive and really giving their all at work. There are multiple ways in which to promote health within your team. Committees, group insurance, sports and physical activity budget … In any case, adopting a proactive approach to the health of your employees is essential.
For example, at Groupe Focus we have implemented a “Healthy Enterprise” program that includes a committee for health and better well-being at work. This committee gets together on a monthly basis to create resources and tools for the whole team.
3. Provide Flexibility
Providing flexibility with schedules and the choice of where employees want to work can considerably improve their well-being. It gives them more freedom and significantly simplifies work-life balance. This is why flexibility is one of the key characteristics of the regenerative workplace.
Have you adopted a hybrid work policy? The 3:2 model (three days at the office and two days working remotely) is among the most popular.
4. Optimize the Work Environment
A clean, welcoming, and well-designed work environment can have a significant impact on health and productivity. (Considering that your choice of colours influences your team, it is not surprising that other aspects of the work environment must also be taken into account). Factors such as air quality, lighting, ambient temperature, and noise levels can all impact employee well-being. For example, well ventilated offices with lots of natural light can contribute to reducing stress and fatigue, whereas a loud and chaotic environment would certainly have the opposite effect.
The ergonomics of work stations and the availability of relaxation areas can also impact the comfort and well-being of employees throughout the day. By creating a regenerative workspace and an environment that favours well-being, enterprises show their commitment to the health and happiness of their employees. Ultimately, this usually translates into an increase in workplace satisfaction and global performance.
5. Build a Sense of Belonging to the Enterprise
Building a sense of belonging to the enterprise is an essential part of increasing workplace satisfaction. Encouraging team spirit, promoting autonomy at work, and favouring good relationships between colleagues can contribute to creating a positive and engaging work environment.
It is also the best way to create a good organizational climate and even improve employee retention. Organizations that invest in the well-being of their employees are more attractive to skilled workers and usually retain them for longer.
6. Getting Involved with Corporate Volunteering
Getting involved in corporate volunteering initiatives is not only good for your enterprise’s image, but also contributes to employee well-being by creating a feeling of accomplishment and connection with the community. Activities such as participating in fundraisers or charity events can strengthen the cohesion within your team as well as increase workplace satisfaction.
Find a cause that is important to your team and get involved!
Every year, Groupe Focus participates in the Media Food Drive, and for the last 5 years we have also participated in the 48-Hour Ride with the Make-A-Wish Foundation! Every time, it is a moment of collaboration that solidifies the relationships between our team members.
Even though improving well-being at work requires considerable effort and investment, the benefits will definitely be worth it, both for the employees and the organization. Who doesn’t want a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment?