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Nurturing your talent's wellbeing: 12 practical tips for HR teams

27 February 2024

Want to retain your talented employees and reduce absenteeism? Prioritizing your employees' mental well-being is key. 

By fostering a supportive working environment, you can improve employee happiness and satisfaction, leading to increased productivity and reduced turnover. This article offers 12 practical tips inspired by the experiences of over 20 HR managers to help you get started.

Blog - Mentaal welzijn 12 tips

1. Open communication

Highlight the importance of mental wellbeing: let your employees know you care. Sharing personal stories through the intranet, newsletters, or talks can foster connection and encourage them to do the same. Get your management involved: their support sets a positive example and shows commitment to employee well-being.

2. Prioritise relaxation

Encourage complete disconnection from work. Promote the importance of switching off by investing in team-building activities or creating a dedicated relaxation space. Also emphasize taking vacation days: a well-rested workforce is a productive one.

3. Clarity creates calm

Implement a clear organisational structure. Define roles and responsibilities, and provide clear channels for communication. Knowing who to turn to and what's expected reduces uncertainty and stress.

4. Invest in Learning and Development

Offer workshops on relevant topics: host webinars or sessions on topics like work-life balance and setting boundaries. This equips employees with tools to manage their well-being and demonstrates your commitment to their growth. Don't forget to gather feedback: ask your colleagues for suggestions on relevant topics to ensure you're addressing their needs.

5. Regular check-ins

Schedule one-on-one meetings: take the time to connect with colleagues and check in on their wellbeing. If you have a large team, encourage leaders to participate in regular check-ins. Consider short surveys: regular anonymous surveys can provide valuable insights into employee wellbeing without requiring individual meetings.

6. Build trusting relationships

Maintain contact with new hires. Assigning them a dedicated HR contact person can build trust and encourage them to reach out with any concerns.

Blog - Mentaal welzijn 12 tips

7. Celebrate successes

Recognize achievements and contributions by acknowledging individual and team wins. This motivates employees, reinforces their sense of value, and boosts enjoyment in their work. Set achievable goals: celebrate milestones, big or small, to maintain engagement and foster a positive work environment.

8. Provide individual support

Offer tailored support for those needing extra help: While group initiatives are valuable, sometimes individual needs arise. Consider offering access to professional support services for employees facing personal challenges. BloomUp can support you with this

9. Transparency is key

Communicate openly about the company's performance. Regularly share honest updates on company results and goals. This fosters transparency, builds a sense of shared purpose and increases employee engagement.

10. Foster a warm and inclusive culture

Create a welcoming and friendly environment: When employees feel comfortable and valued, they are more likely to reach out for help if they need it. Would you like some extra tips on how to create a positive work environment? Then read our blog 6 Tips for boosting employee engagement.

11. Promote physical health

Encourage activities that combine physical activity and team building. Organize healthy team-building events or competitions to promote wellbeing and build camaraderie.

12. Prioritise your wellbeing

Acknowledge your own needs. It's impossible to care for others if you're neglecting your own well-being. Be open about your own challenges and seek support when needed. This fosters a culture of openness and vulnerability.

Remember, supporting your employees' well-being is an ongoing process. Seek external help and resources when needed, and create a supportive network for yourself and your team.