In today’s competitive job market, organisations must go beyond traditional recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent. It is no longer sufficient to focus solely on salary and benefits. Professionals now place a high value on mental well-being strategies when considering job opportunities. Companies that prioritise employee well-being not only create a supportive work environment but also gain a significant advantage in attracting and retaining the best candidates. This article explores the multifaceted benefits of having a strong employee well-being strategy, including mental health support, attracting top candidates, promoting a positive work culture, and ensuring the success of the organisation.
The Importance of Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace:
Recent research has shown that professionals prioritise mental health and well-being strategies when searching for a role. In fact, 88% of professionals consider the mental health and well-being strategies offered by their employer to be important when considering a new job. Surprisingly, many hiring managers underestimate the importance of mental health policies, with only 42% believing that such strategies are important to candidates. This disconnect highlights the need for organisations to recognise and address the significance of mental well-being in the workplace.
The Business Case for Employee Wellbeing:
Not only do professionals value mental well-being strategies, but employers also recognize their positive impact. Studies reveal that 93% of employers agree that supporting employees’ mental health and well-being leads to increased effectiveness in their roles. Moreover, 86% of employers believe that effective mental health strategies can result in fewer staff absences due to illness, and 63% see improvements in staff collaboration. Despite this recognition, only 51% of employers currently have a mental health policy in place. It is clear that there is a gap between the perceived value of mental well-being and the implementation of comprehensive strategies.
Retention, Retention, Retention:
For businesses that truly champion mental health and staff wellbeing, it can pay dividends not only in terms of attracting and retaining staff but getting the best out of people – benefitting both individuals and the business that supports them.
In fact, two-fifths (39%) of employees across the UK have cited a decline in their mental health as a result of their employer not supporting their well-being during the pandemic, leading 30% of respondents to search for a new job and a quarter to become less productive. Meanwhile, across the UK as a whole, poor mental health costs employers up to £45 billion per year.
For businesses, the consequences of this are becoming concerningly clear. Ultimately, all good staffing strategies are underpinned by robust efforts to develop and retain existing team members, with two-thirds of hospitality businesses reporting having made conscious efforts to cultivate a good working culture as part of their retention planning post-pandemic.
Moreover, being able to speak to this within the recruitment process offers a powerful footing for attracting new staff, and in this regard, also a valuable microcosm for the wider business ecosystem.
Promoting Wellbeing Strategies to Candidates:
Despite the importance of mental well-being, many professionals find it difficult to access information about employers’ mental well-being strategies. Employers should promote their well-being initiatives and make this information readily available to potential candidates. Only 12% of employers currently provide this information on their websites, while 66% limit communication about these strategies to internal channels. By effectively showcasing their mental well-being policies and programs, organisations can differentiate themselves and attract candidates who value a supportive work environment.
Supporting Anxiety through Wellbeing and Mental Health Support at Work
Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects many individuals in the workplace. It can significantly impact their productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. Recognising and addressing anxiety through comprehensive well-being and mental health support programs is crucial for creating a supportive work environment. Here are some key considerations:
Awareness and Education: Employers should prioritise raising awareness about anxiety and providing education on its signs, symptoms, and potential impact on individuals. Training sessions or workshops can help employees understand anxiety better and promote a culture of empathy and understanding.
Mental Health Resources: Establishing accessible mental health resources is essential for employees struggling with anxiety. This can include confidential counseling services, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or partnerships with mental health organisations. Providing access to professional support can help individuals manage their anxiety effectively.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work arrangements can be beneficial for employees experiencing anxiety. Flexible schedules, remote work options, or adjustable workload can help individuals create a better work-life balance, reduce stress triggers, and manage their anxiety more effectively.
Stress Management Programs: Implementing stress management programs can equip employees with practical tools to cope with anxiety-inducing situations. These programs may include mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, or workshops on stress reduction strategies. By providing resources to manage stress, employers can contribute to reducing anxiety levels in the workplace.
Open Communication and Supportive Culture: Fostering an environment of open communication is vital in supporting employees with anxiety. Encouraging employees to share their concerns or seek support from managers and colleagues can create a supportive culture. Managers should be trained to recognize signs of anxiety and offer appropriate support and accommodations.
Employee Wellbeing Initiatives: Promoting overall employee well-being can also indirectly support anxiety management. Initiatives such as wellness programs, physical fitness activities, or mental health awareness campaigns can contribute to reducing anxiety levels and promoting a positive work environment.
Regular Check-Ins: Regular check-ins with employees can provide an opportunity for managers to assess their well-being, identify any signs of anxiety, and offer support. These conversations should be conducted in a confidential and non-judgmental manner, creating a safe space for individuals to express their concerns.
By implementing these strategies, employers can create a workplace that supports individuals with anxiety and promotes mental health and well-being for all employees. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique, and providing a range of support options can help individuals find the resources that work best for them.
Troi can assist organisations in enhancing their employee well-being strategies by becoming a recruitment partner in several ways:
Expert Guidance: Troi provides expert guidance and consulting services to help organisations develop effective employee well-being strategies tailored to their specific needs. Our experienced professionals understand the importance of holistic well-being and can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Comprehensive Solutions: Troi offers a range of comprehensive solutions to support employee well-being, including access to mental health resources, wellness programs, stress management initiatives, and flexible work arrangements. We work closely with organizations to customise these solutions and ensure they align with their culture and goals.
Embedded Support: Troi’s embedded talent solutions (recruitment RPO) enable us to seamlessly integrate into an organisation’s HR team and become an extension of their internal talent function. This allows us to deeply understand the company culture and objectives, ensuring that employee well-being strategies align with broader talent management goals.
Ongoing Support: Troi provides ongoing support and evaluation of employee well-being initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments over time. We partner with organisations to continuously monitor and enhance their well-being strategies, fostering a culture of care and support.
With Troi’s assistance, organisations can strengthen their employee well-being strategies, promote a positive work environment, and ultimately attract and retain top talent while driving overall business success.
