We’ve all heard how important senior leadership support is to the success of employee well-being programs. But it’s not just senior leadership support that is needed, but leadership throughout the organization, at all levels. Here are some ideas for encouraging a culture of well-being throughout the entire organization.
Why it’s important for employees to hear from leaders about workplace well-being.
Employees who feel connected and cared for at work are more engaged and satisfied with their jobs. According to Gallup, companies with high employee engagement are also 21 percent more profitable. By connecting with your employees, you can build trust, increase engagement and drive innovation.
But sometimes, employees believe well-being programs exist only to benefit the company and lower costs. This can make them feel jaded and lead to feelings of resentment. By hearing directly from an executive who is engaged in a well-being program, you can start to dismantle these negative beliefs and help your employees understand that you are invested in their health.
How leaders can support workplace well-being.
Here are seven ways leaders can champion their corporate well-being programs and proudly wave the well-being flag:
1. Lead by example.
It’s important not just to talk about your well-being program but to participate in the program. If you’re engaged in your well-being program, it will be much easier to convince your staff that you believe in your well-being program and its ability to help your employees reach their goals.
2. Share your story.
When speaking about your well-being program, be specific and share the resources you use and enjoy. Describe what programs you use and how they help you achieve your goals.
3. Be vulnerable.
Share the struggles you have around health and well-being. Sending a simple reminder that we’re all human beings with emotions, feelings and struggles can help build trust in your organization.
4. Use quantitative data.
Let your employees know how many of their co-workers are engaged in your well-being program, share statistics from your well-being challenges and highlight employees who are engaged in the program.
5. Encourage a culture of well-being.
Support your employees when they take advantage of well-being benefits, whether that’s using vacation time, getting a health screening or participating in a well-being challenge.
6. Branch out.
You need support from managers throughout the company to help the program succeed. Make it easy for them. Send special invitations to health and wellness events. Offer simple activities they can use to demonstrate to their departments that they’re involved, such as fun competitions with other departments. Send them department-specific messages they can share with their groups either in person or via email. In a focus group conducted by WebMD with a diverse employer, participants shared their desire to hear things verbally from their manager.
7. Listen to your staff.
Give your employees opportunities to provide feedback about your well-being program and work with managers and other leaders to implement this feedback.
Leadership talking points to promote employee well-being.
Looking for more ways to encourage a culture of well-being in your workplace? Check out these leadership talking points:
- “You should always make time to nurture your well-being. Not only can it help you feel your best, but it can also help you live a longer, healthier and happier life. That’s why I’m excited to announce [PROGRAM NAME], a well-being program and employee benefit from [VENDOR NAME].”
- “Just like everyone, sometimes I struggle with keeping up with healthy habits. But with [PROGRAM NAME], I know I can get a little extra motivation from health coaches, my co-workers and a community of support, whenever I need it.”
- “I want all of our employees to live fulfilling lives and I believe [PROGRAM NAME] can help. I enjoy our well-being program because it keeps me motivated and it makes it easy to connect with our fellow co-workers.”
- “[PROGRAM NAME] has helped me live a healthier life and I’m proud to work for a company that prioritizes our employees’ well-being. Through [PROGRAM NAME], I’ve become more intentional with how I approach my health; I’ve started to prioritize well-being and I feel more connected to my co-workers. I want all of our employees to participate in [PROGRAM NAME] and experience all the benefits I’ve noticed since registering.”
- “What I really appreciate about [PROGRAM NAME] is the holistic approach to health. Well-being is so much more than physical health and through our well-being program, I’ve learned how to prioritize my emotional and social well-being. [PROGRAM NAME] has also helped me focus on gratitude and connecting with our co-workers. I’ve had such a great experience, and I hope all of you join me on the portal.”
Start your journey toward creating a culture of well-being with WebMD Health Services.
WebMD Health Services is on a mission to help companies truly care for their employees while also impacting business results. If you need help learning how to create a culture of well-being at your workplace, visit our website or contact us at connect@webmd.net.
