The global pandemic has served as a great reminder for employers that they need to be ready to support the health and well-being of their employees. After all, these are two foundations in creating a productive organisation and workplace. Yet, while almost all companies worldwide (up to 96%) have provided additional support and adjustments due to COVID-19, a study by McKinsey & Company found that “only one in six diverse employees feels more supported” by their companies.

With more and more employees experiencing burnouts, problems related to mental health, and increased work demands, companies are challenged on how they can support all their employee’s health and well-being during these troubling times and more. Fortunately, there are a few tips to help you get started.

Ask and act on feedback.

The best way to learn what your employees are going through and how their needs are evolving is to simply ask them. If recent studies are any indication to go by, there’s a good chance you’ll get concerns raised around mental and financial well-being. Having this information will allow you to create practical ways on how to tackle them. Then, after you have acted according to their feedback, employees will see the results and be encouraged to be more open and share how they feel and how the company can work on it.

Build well-being programs that depend on your employees’ engagement levels.

While asking for feedback, it’s also a great idea to use the data to see what well-being programs will be effective for your employees. If you aim for participation, take note that your employees range in age, interests and capabilities. For example, there may be more participants in online yoga classes, especially for startups and PR agencies with tight deadlines. Or others may prefer virtual boxing sessions and or professional development activities to make sure they stay healthy while staying at home all day.

Create a culture that supports health and well-being.

You can start building this type of culture by incorporating health and well-being into your company policies. These are policies that will create a change in beliefs and values that will guide employee behaviour and satisfaction. Of course, one effective way to do this is to lead by example. Employees will feel much more confident if they see those in positions of authority model new behaviours related to better health and well-being in the workplace.

Consider a flexible approach.

This is especially true for those with remote working employees. It is a type of approach that allows your team to organise their work in the best way for them. This will go far to prevent them from burning out or becoming disengaged. It provides them with more flexibility and control over their life and productivity while working in an environment suited to their personal needs. Through it, they have the time to take short breaks or focus on their well-being through optimising nutrition, mindfulness or exercise scheduled in their day. For those who are sensitive to a chaotic work environment, there is also the benefit of feeling less pressure. It’s an approach that promotes the ”work smarter, not harder” attitude.

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