Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Summer 2018 wellbeing Working well It can increase productivity, improve staff performance and reduce absenteeism so it makes business sense to invest in wellbeing The way we work has changed significantly in recent decades, and it will continue to do so. More and more people are setting up their own businesses, and there are now 5.5 million small firms and self-employed people in the UK, accounting for 60 per cent of private sector employment. While running a business can be hugely rewarding, it is also very hard; the demands, responsibilities and risks can bring personal pressures. Some of these pressures are an inevitable consequence of running a business, but all of us society, business, government and individuals can take steps to improve the health and wellbeing of ourselves, and those around us. Wellbeing in the workplace can support increased productivity, improve staff performance and reduce absenteeism. Small business owners can play a powerful role in improving the lives of their employees through a variety of actions from innovative ideas to encouraging more activity and regular breaks. Lets talk about it Often, the first step to better wellbeing is simply to talk about any issues in the workplace. It may take up a bit of time, but it can help the business in the long run and be beneficial for you and your employees. Try to speak about what you all do and what pressures you are under. Its important people feel comfortable discussing their mental health, and that everyone is able to talk about any stress they are experiencing, or problems they feel are affecting them day to day. Talk about mental health Stigma around mental health remains a big issue. Take a lead in your business and talk about it with your employees. Raising awareness and promoting open conversations can increase staff engagement and break down prejudice. It can also help people feel more comfortable with speaking up sooner about issues that are affecting them. Talk about work As a business owner, its important to talk to your employees about their work and what you can do to make it more manageable. This can offer opportunities for professional development, learning or mentoring, while also giving employees a chance to raise issues. Regular one to ones or lunchtime catch-ups can be a great way to build a trusting relationship with your staff. Going it alone doesnt have to mean being alone If youre self-employed and work on your own, take the time to network, go to events and meet people in a similar situation. It not only makes good business sense, but will be beneficial for you too. A study by the Co-op and the British Red Cross has revealed that more than nine million people in the UK are always or often lonely, and the Co-op puts the annual cost to UK employers of loneliness at 2.5bn. Job design matters It is important that you and your staff can balance work and home life, manage pressures, and feel encouraged and motivated. Our jobs have a big impact on our health and wellbeing. The Labour Force Survey 2007/08 found that an estimated 442,000 people in Britain believed they were experiencing work-related stress at a level that was making them ill. Welldesigned jobs with good line management, communication and flexibility can help reduce stress. Train up Line managers can play a big role in making staff feel valued and well supported. We all need help sometimes and it is important that employees feel motivated and encouraged. Try to explore different types of line-management, wellbeing and conflict-management training. Flexibility can be great for business Offering staff the chance to operate flexibly can deliver great returns for your business, and make recruitment and retention of talented people easier. Having a clear policy on flexible working including homeworking, part-time, flexitime and job sharing can increase employees performance and engagement, and allow them to better manage their work and home life. You have legal obligations if employees request to vary their working hours, but try to think proactively. Keep on top of pressure Managing your work, or that of your employees, poorly can lead to organisational or work-related stress. This is the second-biggest cause of conflict at work, and can be costly, as well as time-consuming; employees spend, on average, one day a month dealing with it. Make sure you work with your staff to understand their workload, the pressures you are all under, and what could be changed to cut stress. Encourage involvement in community life Small businesses play a vital role in communities, providing jobs, opportunities and contributing to the local area. Volunteering can help boost peoples quality of life and wellbeing; it can also help develop skills that are key for leadership and management roles, such as coaching, mentoring, communication, creativity, team building and time management. Consider whether you could give staff a chance to volunteer with local charities, schools or colleges or perhaps invite local charities in to talk about the work they do. Healthy body, healthy mind Taking care of your body can support both your physical and mental health. Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50 per cent. Food and sleep the building blocks of a healthy body It is important to eat healthily and get the right amount of sleep. Everyone should try to have five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and drink plenty of water. If youre putting on a spread for a client or for an important meeting, think about ordering in fresh fruit. Not getting enough sleep can leave you tired, unable to concentrate, and anxious, and it increases the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. The Sleep Foundation says we should aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep a night to function properly. Start an in-work fitness group Physical inactivity is now identified as the fourth risk factor for global mortality. The latest research says we should aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, per week. Fitness is always more fun when other people join you. Think about starting a work running or walking group, or a morning yoga class. Use your apps Most people have smartphones, and there is a huge range of free apps to help you monitor and improve your health and fitness. So try to find one that works for you. Have a look at the interactive tools, apps and podcasts on the NHS Choices website and perhaps share them with your staff. Support for you and your employees While it is important to keep yourself and your staff healthy, its equally important that you can access help if one of you develops a disability or health condition while in work. Building an inclusive, supportive workplace is great for you, your business and your staff. Phased in Returning to work after a long illness can be daunting, and this feeling can be compounded by a loss of confidence or a slow recovery after medical treatment. A phased return to work can be hugely beneficial for your employee and the business. It means coming back gradually before resuming normal tasks and hours. Flexible arrangements such as this need to be agreed between the employer and employee, and should be reviewed regularly. Not only will it make the employee feel valued, but it will also ensure their successful return to work, and restore a sense of normality and routine after illness, helping to improve their wellbeing. A phased return also cuts the cost of having to take on someone else. Musculoskeletal conditions Credit: Karen Woolley, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses Image: istock / kmlmtz66 One in four of the adult population has a musculoskeletal condition that affects their joints, bones or muscles, including autoimmune diseases and back pain. These conditions can have a significant effect on a persons work. With an increasingly ageing workforce, its vital that businesses think about how they can make jobs work. If youre creating a new position, taking on a member of staff, or thinking about what changes you can make to existing jobs, consider how you can ensure that musculoskeletal conditions dont prevent you from getting the best staff. Check out Public Health Englands factsheet on musculoskeletal conditions. For further information please contact your local Trading Standards Service