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As workplace wellness continues to rise on corporate agendas, insights from Great Place To Work®’s report on India’s Best Workplaces in Health & Wellness 2023 reveal innovative strategies that organizations are implementing to foster a culture of health, wellness, and support for employees. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best practices championed by top-performing companies, which can serve as a model for others striving to improve employee well-being.
Mental Health Support
Mental health is no longer an afterthought but a priority. Best workplaces understand the profound impact mental wellness has on productivity and retention, implementing a variety of support measures:
Around 73% of organizations offer access to counseling, with 71% extending these benefits to family members. This support aids employees in managing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Volkswagen Group’s program on Nurturing Emotional well-being equips people managers to support their teams’ emotional health. Under the guidance of the Chief People Officer and psychologists, managers learn to identify signs of distress, subtle cues, and effective communication techniques. A glossary of sensitive questions are shared that aid in tackling difficult conversations, while the program encourages proactive help-seeking.
At Quantiphi Analytics Solution Private Limited, leaders propagate Zen Days. Once every month, they hold a no-meeting day for all their employees. Leaders do not only practice this themselves but also encourage their teams to do so. This also forms a part of the OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for the leaders. Initiatives like these reduce burnout and foster a sustainable work environment.
Physical Health Programs
Physical health is an essential component of wellness, and companies are evolving their approach from basic healthcare to more proactive initiatives.
Acquia India Pvt. Ltd. provides a holistic and flexible health insurance benefit. Each employee is allowed to select the coverage options that meet their needs, and the entire cost is borne by the organization. Parents are covered by default in all policies. Above the regulars, the policies also cover IPD, OPD expenses, IVF treatment, psychiatric ailments etc.
H & R Block (India) Pvt. Ltd. organized a free cancer screening session at the premises with the objective of raising awareness about early diagnosis, which plays a vital role in saving lives. This preventive health initiative helped around 300 associates to participate in the awareness sessions and the screening that followed.
Social Wellbeing Initiatives
A sense of community at work fosters social connections and reduces isolation, which is critical for mental wellness.
Flipkart’s Daan Utsav Campaign, which includes blood donation drives and community-building events, strengthens team bonds and encourages a culture of giving back. Meanwhile, Accenture’s “Passion Clubs” support hobbies like photography, sports, and cooking, allowing employees to connect over shared interests.
A robust sense of community is reported among 83% of employees at the best workplaces. By creating inclusive environments, companies are supporting social health and workplace cohesion.
Professional Growth and Development
Best workplaces prioritize career progression and continuous learning, which helps employees feel fulfilled and motivated.
At First American (India) Private Limited, the five-month Aspiring SME Program equips high-potential employees with leadership skills, contributing to their long-term growth within the organization.
Capgemini Technology Services’ “SheLeads” program pairs women employees with senior leaders to foster leadership development, breaking down barriers to career advancement and promoting gender equality.
Providing effective training and upskilling opportunities demonstrates an organization’s commitment to professional development. This approach boosts morale, enhances job satisfaction, and keeps the workforce engaged.
Employee Autonomy and Empowerment
Empowerment in decision-making builds trust and promotes a sense of ownership among employees.
Leading organizations involve employees in decision-making, which fosters a sense of responsibility and belonging. This engagement creates a culture where employees feel valued and invested in the company’s success.
Allowing flexibility in work schedules and supporting remote work options gives employees autonomy in managing their work-life balance, reducing stress and burnout.
Addressing Burnout
Burnout is a growing concern. Effective strategies for addressing burnout include:
Policies like no-meeting days, wellness breaks, and structured work hours help reduce burnout.
Companies encourage employees to set boundaries between work and personal life, enhancing productivity and minimizing exhaustion. These efforts create a sustainable work culture where employees feel supported and motivated.
Recognition and Rewards
Recognizing employee contributions and celebrating achievements boosts morale and motivation.
Acquia India’s Spot Bonus program recognizes innovation and exemplary work with financial rewards, creating a culture of appreciation and encouraging employees to go above and beyond.
Public acknowledgment of employees’ efforts during team meetings or on internal communication platforms fosters a positive work environment and enhances employee loyalty.
Building a Culture of Psychological Safety
Psychological safety encourages employees to express ideas, take risks, and speak up without fear of negative consequences.
Leaders who openly discuss their wellness journeys foster an environment of empathy. This transparency helps bridge the gap between management and non-managerial employees, as they see leadership investing in their wellbeing.
Implementing clear and effective mechanisms for addressing workplace wellness issues assures employees that their voices are valued, and concerns will be addressed promptly.
By adopting these practices, organizations can foster an environment where employees feel supported, engaged, and motivated, ultimately contributing to a healthy, productive, and innovative workforce. As organizations continue to prioritize wellness, the impact on business outcomes becomes clear: motivated employees lead to stronger brands, enhanced productivity, and long-term success.
Get Certified to Showcase Your Commitment
Achieving Great Place To Work Certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your organization’s commitment to employees’ overall well-being and experience. This Certification not only enhances your employer branding but also helps attract and retain top talent. It highlights to current and prospective employees that your organization values their overall well-being, fostering an environment where they feel appreciated and supported.
By implementing a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, you can create a workplace where employees feel valued and connected. Certification also provides a benchmark for continuous improvement, helping you identify areas where you can further enhance employee well-being and overall workplace culture.
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