5 ways to transform employee wellbeing and cancel burnout

According to a survey from Deloitte, 77% of employees have experienced burnout at their current job. That’s an insane number. 

Employees are more concerned about their wellbeing than ever before, so there’re practical reasons to worry about this. In fact, over a third of employees have quit a job due to burnout. So, it makes complete business sense to prioritise wellbeing. 

In this blog, we’ll dive into the ways that you can support wellbeing at work and give you some effective strategies to create a supportive work environment that will pay off for years to come. 

Choose the right employee wellbeing programs 

Health and wellness programs are a great way to invest in your employee’ physical and mental health. You could offer subsidised fitness classes or easy and affordable access to healthy food. Perhaps a bike to work scheme or an EAP service. 

Likewise, consider investing in a mental health first aid programme, and/or mental health workshops, and you’ll see happier, engaged employees. 

According to a UnitedHealthcare survey, 56% of employee report needing fewer sick days after participating in workplace wellbeing initiatives. Focusing on health and wellbeing at work provably helps boost productivity. 

Keeping things balanced 

One in four professionals say they rarely use their entire annual leave entitlement. Holiday leave is there for health and safety reasons, ensuring that people have adequate rest to perform their duties. If people don’t take all their holidays, they are far more likely to burnout. 

This is an area where leaders should set the tone. You can’t just tell employees to take time off, and then not do it yourself. They’ll assume that you don’t want them to and then they will avoid it too. 

Flexible working arrangements can also help employees avoid burnout. This isn’t just about everyone working from home. Over 51% of respondents say they’d happily work in an office if the hours were flexible, for example. It is giving them the ability to fit work around home life. They’ll get to work in a way that makes them feel comfortable, and you’ll get a more engaged workforce.  

Helping them handle big life stuff 

If your employees are dealing with loads of stress in their personal life, they can’t always leave it at the door. It’s natural to want to support them (and an understanding line manager can make a world of difference to a stressed employee), but not everyone wants direct support from their employer. It could feel a bit invasive. 

That’s where Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) come in. These are confidential counselling services available to your employees. They can cover a huge range of different topics, from mental health support to financial advice. 

These are a fantastic way to give your employees practical support and guidance, and to show that you’re genuinely committed to their wellbeing. 

Training that helps them shine 

If your employees feel stuck in their role, they’re more likely to burnout. Offering training opportunities are a great way to burst them out of this mindset, whether that’s through workshops, mentorship programs, or a skill building day. 

Employees that feel able to take charge of their own careers will feel a lot more engaged, and this can really help workplace wellbeing. They’ll feel like they have control over their own path, and this can translate into improved wellness. 

A learning management system is a great way to give employees autonomy over their own career.  

By empowering employees to learn and grow, organisations foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment, leading to improved well-being and increased employee retention. It is important that organisations allow employees the ability to craft their own career. A vital part of this is understanding their skills and developing their learning according to their goals and future career ambitions.  

You can’t go wrong with a thumbs up 

It’s such a simple thing, but everyone likes being told they’ve done a good job, and to be recognised when they go above and beyond. Don’t keep the good work quiet! 

Consider implementing recognition programs, rewarding outstanding performance and providing regular feedback to acknowledge and appreciate employees' contributions. These actions not only boost morale but also create a positive work culture that makes individuals feel truly valued. 

Final thoughts 

Through these workplace wellbeing initiatives, you’ll start to reap the benefits of a happy and engaged workforce. Employee wellbeing programs don’t just improve job satisfaction, employee experience and productivity. They also create a workforce that’s going to stick around for the long haul. 

Looking for more ways to give your team a wellness boost? Our employee experience report is packed full of useful tips to help guide a rock-solid wellness strategy.