SMEs : Enhancing Wellbeing: Strategies for Small Businesses

In addition to all the concerns a small business has to handle, the mental and physical welfare of its employees is now a critical aspect. Considering that employees spend a significant portion of their day at work, it is crucial for employers to ensure a positive experience and overall wellbeing. This article explores the history of the wellness movement and the impact it has on employee engagement in small businesses.

Key Observations:

1. Great employment leads to enhanced wellbeing.
2. Workplace wellness extends beyond attendance rates to include productivity, creativity, and positive human interactions.
3. Small businesses can leverage partnerships and scale to offer impressive wellbeing initiatives.
4. Fruitbowl Fridays are just one aspect of wellbeing; a comprehensive, sustained approach is necessary.

A Short History of the Wellness Movement

The wellness movement started with social reformer Robert Owen's call for an 8-hour working day in 1817. This concept gained traction in the United States when the Ford Motor Company implemented it and experienced increased productivity and profit margins. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, worksite wellness programs were introduced, initially focusing on anti-smoking campaigns. The UK followed suit, offering attractive healthcare programs to employees.

Corporate wellness services are now seen as essential, with a shift from "if" to "how." Wellbeing is not solely about attendance rates but also includes reducing burnout, promoting creativity and innovation, improving decision-making, and enhancing staff relationships. While wellbeing is crucial in small businesses, it's essential to strike a balance between encouraging and imposing wellbeing activities. Directives that dictate exercise routines, dietary choices, or leisure time can lead to resistance and potential employee discomfort. Business owners must be cautious in their approach to avoid overstepping boundaries.

The Four Components of Wellbeing

Achieving good wellbeing requires a sustained and strategic focus on physical health, mental health, workplace environment, and financial health. Involving staff in decision-making and progress tracking can foster employee buy-in and engagement.

Component One: Physical Activity

Physical inactivity is now recognized as the fourth leading cause of global mortality, so there are numerous government sources available for assistance in this area. Small businesses can encourage physical activity by subsidizing gym memberships, exercise classes, and providing widgets and gadgets relevant to health and fitness. With proper leadership and staff buy-in, these activities can become valuable perks for employees. Additionally, small businesses can promote healthy eating by ensuring there is adequate equipment for staff to prepare their own lunches, as many employees prefer to bring their own food to avoid unhealthy options from local shops. Liquid intake is also important, and providing non-caffeinated drinks can contribute to overall well-being.

Component Two: Mental Wellbeing

Mental health is now a significant component of overall well-being. Employers should follow a tri-partite approach recommended by ACAS, which includes visibly committing to positive mental health, having informed managers who are open to conversations about mental health, and fostering employees who are self-aware and willing to seek help when needed. Employers must lead and embed a well-being strategy, reduce stigma, address workplace stress, support and train managers, and understand how personal issues can impact mental well-being. A working environment that protects and respects the dignity of employees is crucial for mental well-being. This includes implementing a Dignity at Work Policy, actively promoting and training staff on dignity at work issues, and regularly providing training on this topic.

Seven Quick Wins for Mental Wellbeing at Work:

1. Provide Mental Health First Aid training.
2. Encourage mindfulness practice.
3. Regulate employees' use of social media and the Internet after core hours.
4. Emphasize the importance of quality sleep.
5. Provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.
6. Implement mentoring and coaching programs to promote emotional stability and mental health.
7. Foster gratitude by encouraging employees to write thank you letters or notes and promoting gratitude jars where individuals can express gratitude for various things.

Component Three: Improving Environmental Wellbeing in the Workplace

Creating a conducive environment for productivity is crucial for every workplace. However, many employers struggle with providing the right conditions for their staff. Factors such as cramped workspaces, poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, and disruptive noise levels can hinder employee wellbeing and performance. When choosing office premises, small businesses face the challenge of finding the right accommodation that caters to their current and future needs. This task is even more difficult as external factors can greatly affect the demands for office space in the future.

To optimize environmental wellbeing in the workplace, consider the following:

1. Air quality:

• Keep air vents open and unblocked, and replace filters regularly.
• Maintain a healthy level of humidity with dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
• Clean up spills immediately to prevent the growth of mildew and mold.
• Maximize circulation by opening windows and doors when weather permits.

1. Lighting:

• Use LED lights for better quality and cost-saving benefits.
• Incorporate natural light whenever possible to connect employees with the outside world and improve their comfort.
• Use appropriate lighting for each task to prevent glare and excessive illumination.

1. Bring nature into the office:

• Install plants to improve air quality, reduce noise, and enhance aesthetics.
• Consider implementing living walls or small gardens outside to grow organic vegetables for staff.

1. Noise reduction:

• Choose noise-friendly flooring materials like carpet or vinyl over hard surfaces.
• Create dedicated quiet spaces or designate quiet zones within the office layout.
• Provide noise-cancelling headphones as a budget-friendly solution.
• Experiment with designated quiet hours or days, such as a "No Talk Tuesday."

1. Office ergonomics:

• Encourage employees to switch between standing and sitting throughout the day by providing sit/stand desk stations.
• Conduct a workstation health and safety assessment to ensure improved posture and back support.

Component Four: Promoting Financial Wellbeing

Helping employees manage their finances can greatly impact their overall wellbeing and job satisfaction. By providing financial education and support, employers can offer value to employees without significant time and budget investment.

Consider the following strategies to promote financial wellbeing:

1. Bring in a finance expert:

• Invite a finance expert to provide tips on good financial management and investment.
• Many experts may offer their services for free in the hope of gaining new clients.

1. Start a virtual investment club:

• Create a fun virtual investment club where employees can learn about investing and compete for prizes.
• Use platforms like Virtual Trader to create a simulated investment experience.

1. Offer favourable loans:

• Consider offering employees loans at better-than-market rates.
• Tie these loans to longevity of service and include clear repayment clauses in case of early departure.

1. Provide pension advice and incentives:

• Offer access to pension advice, going beyond the statutory minimum.
• Incentivize employees to save for retirement and remain in your organization.

Don't underestimate the potential for financial benefits in small businesses. Even if you feel you may not have the resources or buying power, reach out to finance experts and explain your plans for growth. Consider collaborating with other small businesses to increase your influence and negotiate better deals.

By prioritizing financial wellbeing, employers can support their employees' financial security and create a more engaged and loyal workforce.

The above content is from "Mastering Small Business Employee Engagement: 30 Quick Wins & HR Hacks from an IIP Platinum Employer" by Barry Phillips and Jayne Gallagher which is available from Amazon

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