12th August 2021 3 MIN READ •Talos Engage •Employee Wellbeing
The balance between office/at-home working has sparked new conversations around employee wellbeing. Here we discuss how employers can help their colleagues cope with workplace anxiety, and offer the support/advice they need.
What are the signs of workplace anxiety?
Workplace anxiety, just like any wellbeing challenge, can come with a number of signs unique to each individual. Here’s what to look for if you think a colleague may be struggling:
- Decreased motivation in day-to-day work
- Employees becoming less punctual/arriving late
- Struggling to meet deadlines
- ‘Burnout’ during working hours
- Visible signs of stress/fatigue
- Loss of patience with tasks and responsibilities
Why workplace anxiety is a serious issue
Workplace anxiety is a serious issue impacting both you and your employees. Here’s why employee wellbeing is so important:
- Strong impact on employee retention
- Dictates productivity levels within your workforce
- Can affect worker morale, often leading to ‘burnout’ when neglected
- It has a huge impact on the personal health/wellbeing of employees
How can I support employees through workplace anxiety?
If you recognise wellbeing challenges within your workforce, it’s important to take a quick yet conscious approach.
Here are some tips for supporting workplace anxiety, and improving employee wellbeing:
#1 – Provide 1:1 support if/when needed
Individual support is always a positive step for improving employee wellbeing. If you recognise signs that an employee may need extra support, don’t be afraid to have a casual chat!
Be sure to avoid putting too much pressure on employees; keep things casual. It’s important not to overwhelm employees who may already be having a hard time.
#2 – Facilitate flexible working
It’s important to provide flexibility to employees facing wellbeing challenges. Whether this is in the form of paid time off, or flexible working allowances, it’s crucial to consider the individual needs of your colleagues.
In recent years, an increasing number of employers have been offering flexible/remote working initiatives. This can be a positive way to improve employee wellbeing, giving your colleagues space away from the work environment.
This can be preferable to paid leave, as employees are able to keep working while being given the space and support they need. Be sure to keep in touch with remote employees to ensure they’re coping with the change in circumstances, and offer additional flexibility if necessary.
#3 – Use surveys & polls to identify workplace challenges
Survey your workforce to identify key engagement/wellbeing challenges. This will help you to build a HR strategy that better meets the wants and needs of your employees.
Gamified engagement tools are a great way to gain feedback from your workforce, without the time-consuming formality of tick-box surveys. Employees simply play the game to give valuable feedback on various HR, engagement, and management processes.
This is incredibly useful for informing your Employee Value Proposition – the list of incentives and benefits offered to your colleagues in return for their hard work.
Check out Talos Engage – Talos360’s gamified answer to employee engagement challenges
#4 – Have a clear wellbeing policy within your HR strategy
Outline clear wellbeing guides and policies within your HR strategy; let employees know where they can seek support if needed.
It can be difficult for employees to reach out during difficult periods, especially due to anxiety around job security. Put their mind at ease by promoting your company’s wellbeing resources, and make it clear that you’re there to support them if/when needed.
#5 – Remember the individuals behind your workforce
When managing a large team, it’s all too easy to forget the individual faces that make up your workforce. Take time to engage with individual employees when possible, either by hosting 1:1s yourself, or setting up employee support networks within your teams.
The wellbeing of each of your colleagues has a huge impact on the performance of your team as a whole. Be sure to remember the unique circumstances of each of your employees, and provide any extra support they may need in their roles.
Introducing…
Talos Engage: Give your employees a voice
Want a better way to assess and meet the expectations of your workforce? Talos Engage is our gamified answer to employee engagement, making it easier for employers to remain in touch with their colleagues’ unique wants and needs.
Gamified employee engagement
Talos Engage is a gamified platform, providing an engaging way for employees to give regular feedback to their managers and employers.
Employees simply play the swipe-card game to identify their most/least important workplace incentives and cultural factors. This is formulated into a straightforward report, allowing you to develop a HR strategy that truly resonates with your workforce.
Discover a better way to engage, inspire, and support your valuable employees:
