Valuing people and team wellbeing is essential for any organization to thrive. It’s not just about making sure everyone is happy and healthy; it’s also about creating a positive work environment where people can be their best selves. Here are some tips on how to value people and team wellbeing:
1. Encourage breaks
We all need breaks from time to time, especially when we’re working long hours or under pressure. I often hear people in care say they don’t have time to take a break. The truth is without breaks the quality of work suffers. Encourage your team to take regular breaks throughout the day, whether it’s going for a walk or grabbing a coffee. This will help them recharge their batteries and come back to work feeling refreshed. Some managers frequently tell us that they frequently either miss lunch or have it ‘on the run’ or at their desk. This obviously sets a tone or expectation for the whole team, so it’s vital that we all model the behaviour we want to see.
2. Celebrate successes
When your team achieves something significant, celebrate it! Whether it’s an audit result or completing a project ahead of schedule, take the time to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. This sometimes means noticing something things that a colleague has done to make a difference for someone, for example; “It was so good to see you going for a walk in the garden with George when he was feeling upset after his wife left.” Not everyone needs to be thanked all the time for doing their job, but feeling appreciated will boost morale and motivate them to keep up the good work.
3. Provide opportunities for growth
People want to feel like they’re progressing in their careers, so provide opportunities for growth within your organisation. Whether it’s training programs or one-to-one feedback opportunities, investing in your team’s development will show that you value them as individuals.
4. Foster open communication
Communication is key in any relationship, including those between managers and employees. Create an environment where your team feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with you openly. This will help build trust and foster collaboration within the team.
5. Have fun!
Work doesn’t have to be all serious all the time! Inject some fun into the workplace by organising activities or special events from time to time. Give people permission to be playful, for example buying some Easter Bunny or Reindeer ears to wear in the relevant festivity, or buy some bubbles or feathers for the team to use to change a moment. This will help build camaraderie within the team and create lasting memories.
Valuing people and team wellbeing is crucial for any organisation that wants to succeed in today’s fast-paced world. By paying attention to these five areas, you’ll create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported – which ultimately leads to greater productivity and a better atmosphere for the people who live in the homes we work in!
Consultant Trainer
MCM