Top Five Evidence Based Strategies to Create Healthier Workplaces and Encourage Healthy High Performance

Hi there,

A few days ago, I heard a company was listing all their employee’s health & wellness programs. Before telling you what I think about it, here is what the list looked like:

Yoga on Mondays.

Ping Pong on Tuesdays.

Pizza Parties on Wednesdays.

Team Building retreats on Thursdays.

And Super Casual Fridays.

It reminded me of those posters you see outside a strange-looking bar that tries to convince you it’s really cool and fun inside because they have something for every day of the week …

Although I am not against how fun Yoga, Ping Pong, and Pizza and I think it is very good to have all of them on the table, today, I am going to talk about 5 programs that are actually-evidence-based and they can potentially improve any team’s performance and productivity.

Evidence-Based Strategies to Create Psychologically Healthy Workpalces

1. Leadership Training

Offering leadership training is crucial for creating healthier workplaces as it equips employees with the tools and techniques to handle stress effectively.

This type of training often includes methods such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, time management strategies, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, which help employees to identify and mitigate stressors.

By providing these resources, employers can enhance employees’ well-being, reduce stress-related illnesses, and ultimately increase productivity and job satisfaction.

2. Job Crafting

Empowering employees to reshape their jobs by modifying stressful tasks or processes while maintaining the desired outcomes can significantly enhance workplace health and productivity.

This approach, known as job crafting, allows employees to tailor their roles to better fit their strengths and interests, reducing stress and increasing engagement.

When employees have the autonomy to make these adjustments, they often experience greater job satisfaction, improved mental health, and higher overall performance.

3. Peer Support and Mentorship Programs

Implementing peer support circles and mentorship programs can profoundly impact employees’ productivity and performance.

These initiatives foster a sense of community and belonging, allowing employees to share experiences, seek advice, and receive emotional support.

Mentorship programs, in particular, provide guidance and professional development opportunities, which can boost confidence and competence.

The collaborative environment cultivated by these support systems can reduce feelings of isolation and stress, leading to a more motivated and cohesive workforce.

4. Employee Involvement in Decision-Making

Engaging employees in decision-making, especially when it pertains to their job roles, is a highly effective strategy for reducing work-related stress and enhancing workplace health.

When employees are involved in decisions that affect their work, they feel more valued and respected, which increases their sense of control and ownership over their tasks.

This participatory approach not only mitigates the negative impacts of job-related pressures but also fosters a more inclusive and motivated work environment, ultimately leading to improved performance and productivity.

5. Performance Management and Recognition

Implementing a high-quality performance management system that recognizes employees’ achievements is essential for preventing burnout and promoting a healthy workplace.

Such systems should provide regular feedback, set clear expectations, and celebrate accomplishments. Recognition and rewards for hard work and success boost morale, reinforce positive behaviors, and motivate employees to maintain high performance levels.

When employees feel appreciated and acknowledged, their job satisfaction and engagement increase, reducing the likelihood of burnout and fostering a more positive and productive work environment.

Conclusion

Creating healthier workplaces and increasing productivity involves a multifaceted approach that integrates leadership training, job crafting, peer support, employee involvement in decision-making, and robust performance management systems.

Each of these strategies addresses different aspects of workplace dynamics, from reducing stress and enhancing job satisfaction to fostering a supportive community and recognizing achievements.

By implementing these evidence-based solutions, organizations can create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated, leading to higher productivity, reduced burnout, sustained healthy high performance, and overall better mental and physical health.

Investing in these practices not only benefits employees but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the organization.

Reference: Gabriel, K. and Aguinis, H. (2022). How to prevent and combat employee burnout and create healthier workplaces during crises and beyond. Business Horizon, 65, 2. 183-192.