When trying to sum up what 2020 did to businesses, the term “tumultuous” doesn’t seem to do the year justice. How else can you sum up how so many events, packed into such a short time, could completely change the employment landscape for possibly every American employer? 

While bottom lines and productivity rates will always be top of mind for business leaders, matters such as employee well-being and mental/physical health have come to the forefront like never before. 

Moreover, for any employers intent on getting results from their employees or not experiencing high turnover, the above factors must be prioritized. 

Supporting teams is now a primary focus across nearly all workplaces. But there’s a world of difference between “saying” you’ll be there for your team and actually stepping up. 

Giving your teams the support they deserve stems from knowing actionable strategies with proven results, several of which will be discussed below.

Be Proactive About Praise 

Recognizing employees for everything they bring to the table is one of the most straightforward support-based strategies around. 

Really, this comes down to human nature–and the research speaks to that very notion. 70% of recently surveyed employees claim they feel more emotionally connected to colleagues after receiving recognition. 

On top of that, 70% of surveyed employees say recognition improves their home life. 

Are you wondering how to implement this praise and recognition-based culture?

Nectar is a platform that allows employees to give one another praise on a formal dashboard. Honestly, though, a sticky board for handwritten notes or people vocalizing their recognition during a video conference goes just as far. 

Leaders should know this all starts at the top. Be vocal about recognition initiatives, and don’t be shy about doling out compliments. Of course, it should be authentic and genuine–don’t make praise just another “tickbox” item.

Empower Your Team to Be Physically Active 

Well-being and a sedentary lifestyle rarely coexist. With work-from-home initiatives not going anywhere – for the time being – people are more susceptible to inactive lifestyles than ever. 

Because of this, many workplaces have committed to weekly meditation, fitness, and other wellness classes taught remotely. 

All the above activities promote mindfulness, which improves well-being, lowers stress, nurtures relationships, and increases focus. 

One good example of a particularly popular activity making waves across organizations is guided meditation. It’s easy to administer and practice and is associated with an array of positive benefits ranging from weight loss to improved sleep.

Establish a Purpose-Focused Work Environment 

A purpose-driven culture is linked to happiness and well-being. 

There’s a strong belief among workplace leaders that getting employees engaged (by appealing to their purpose) leads to positive health habits. 

Combining well-being and engagement requires finding an employee’s inner motivation. Each team member has particular visions and personalized goals, on top of reasons to improve their health.

From there, you can encourage team members to take ownership of their health and well-being habits by promoting a sense of ownership. 

Bringing on a coach to help empower employees is another step towards cultivating purpose.

It is important to create buy-in from the team to avoid the idea that a wellness program is just something that “higher-ups” are forcing on them. It might help to encourage your employees to champion and promote the program themselves and help to generate company-wide enthusiasm around the program.

Shine a Light on Employee Friendships 

There’s a misplaced notion that employees who are friends are bound to distract one another with banter and shenanigans. 

Research from Ohio State, however, indicates the opposite to be true. Results from 26 different studies showed that when team members are friends, they coordinate tasks more successfully. This stems from knowing one another’s stronger and weaker points, allowing them to work around those nuances. 

While you can’t force people to be friends. It is possible to create an environment that nurtures friendships. 

During the remote work era, perhaps implementing a Friday “happy hour” video meeting will help. This would need to be a loose affair, where people are free to open up. Even having a Slack channel dedicated to personal interests can help with establishing these relationships. 

Looking for top talent that can help you foster a sense of well-being in the workplace? Then contact AG 1 Source today. Our team of proven recruiters specializes in executive and professional agricultural recruitment. We look forward to hearing from you!