“People are our most important asset” is a favorite of CEOs expressing the appreciation of their people. Top Employers from around the world are actually putting this into practice with some great examples of caring for their staff. And this goes way beyond the workplace. Some examples of wonderful working conditions from around the world: Some employers are currently offering Parenting Skills Training. Recognizing that personal and family worries are carried into the workplace (and vice versa) is at the start of these programs and more companies are taking this into consideration. Programs that are also offered in this field are: self-development workshops, work-life balance programs, healthy food and habits courses, first aid courses for infants and encouraging employees to find a hobby (painting, design, etc). And how about tutorial help for school-going children, marriage counseling and a special office for parent-child issues?
Similar personal concerns from outside the workplace are centered around one's financial situation. Programs providing training in basic financial skills are becoming more and more visible around the world. One Top Employer indicates clearly: We offer employee debt advise not financial support. A clear line, but very helpful nonetheless.
Obviously health is an area on which many programs are focused: from HIV testing, wellness days, post-traumatic stress workshops , emotional burnout workshops, psychological fitness workshop, annual medical checkup including cholesterol / blood pressure / eyesight check, Flu shots, colon and skin cancer checks, quit smoking (and/or drinking) programs, and the well-known Weight Watchers program.
Closer to the workplace we see programs that are aiming to improve the well-being at work. Optimal team functioning interventions, emotional resilience workshops and emotional wellness workshops. And also indication of nutritional value on the food in the cafeteria or fruit days aim to help employees live a healthy life.
Massages in the workplace were the joy of the internet heydays, but they have persisted unlike many of the ambitious companies that brought them into vogue. The relaxation effects are proven and many employers offer these massages free of charge. In this same category we find employers that offer relaxation rooms with light therapy, yoga classes in the workplace, a play room with entertainment, sport and music. One company offer physiotherapy support during breakfast sessions. And another focuses on relaxology.
All these examples show that employers – with large budgets and small – can help create a healthy and happy workplace and also ensure that their employees are in good shape 24/7, not just during work hours. All this translates in healthier people, which has a direct impact on the absenteeism and therefore on the bottom-line.
Do you have outstanding examples of well-being policies yourself, please comment and show what you are doing.
