As per the World Health Organization (WHO), implementing initiatives to look after the health of workers can result in impressive results.   These results show cuts of up to 27% in absenteeism due to illness and 26% fewer expenditures on healthcare by companies. Prevention is key to creating a healthier work environment and proactively reducing or eliminating injuries, illnesses, and future healthcare costs. These in turn boost productivity. Understanding how embracing occupational wellness programs can encourage employees to prioritise their mental and physical well-being requires some insights.

Organisational Strategies to Combat Occupational Stress and Boost Productivity

Companies tend to offer attractive employee assistance programmes (EAPs).  These schemes involve free consultation with an outside health professional.  Unfortunately, many staff members don’t take advantage of the services provided. Content.naic.org states that a study by Compton and McManus (2015) of 44 organisations providing EAP services found that approximately 47% of employers reported employee utilisation rates between 2.1% and 8%. This is even though access to these types of supportive tools has been shown to prevent time lost due to stress or other conditions.

So how do team leaders effectively motivate people on their teams without going too far? First off, keep it straightforward.  Let them know about the details around this type of resource offered.  This will help them feel empowered knowing there’s a way out should feelings become overwhelming. Additionally, give them reminders throughout each quarter. Do this either through newsletters or other communication materials. These should remind folks about ways they can rapidly access well-deserved breaks for themselves.  Breaks offered could perhaps be scheduling vacations, looking into alternate work hours if needed, joining stress-reducing exercise groups or simply taking your lunch break outside. Ideally, these proactive strategies for occupational wellness can make a real impact on employees’ lives.

The Benefits of Seeking Therapy: Psychological Well-being in the Workplace

In today’s wellness climate, Apa.org states that 81% of individuals said they will be looking for workplaces that support mental health when they seek future job opportunities. Therefore it’s important not just to provide physical but also psychological coverage for employees. A proactive strategy to help build healthy work environments would include access to quality therapy services. These have become more available than ever before with teletherapy options. Employees can benefit greatly from seeking out therapy services by having someone dedicated to helping them process their experiences and feelings at work (or outside). These services can help by identifying challenges and triggers. Additionally, they help employees manage stress responses better. Ultimately working towards increased emotional resilience.

Accessible therapy goes beyond just individual sessions though. Providing group therapies creates a collective healing space full of trust and safety. These spaces empower each member through open dialogue about how feelings relate to actions. With this kind of environment created among team members; collaborations feel less daunting. Feedback builds morale instead of crushing it.  Also, the use of wit and humour can diffuse tense moments along with creating a sense of connection and mutual understanding.

Embracing occupational wellness programs while providing appropriate resources for staff dealing with mental/physical stresses can make a huge difference in terms of overall productivity. Overall it’s important to have preventative plans in place from both sides – provide your staff with the tools they need to access services when needed while also thinking ahead about protecting them against potential dangers beforehand. With these approaches, it becomes possible to create an atmosphere where everyone works together towards keeping themselves healthy.