Workplaces derive their essence from their people, irrespective of their roles or levels of authority. When it comes to individuals, prioritising their health—both mental and physical—takes precedence. The Covid-19 pandemic underscored this truth, as the world grappled with the need to maintain productivity, financial stability, and industry leadership, all while prioritising the well-being of employees. While employee wellness has perennially been a topic in boardroom discussions, the pandemic served as a stark reminder of the imperative to have a robust plan and policy in place to navigate unforeseen situations and challenges. 

Despite the undeniable importance of employee well-being, the practical challenge often revolves around budget constraints. While leaders aspire to enhance their efforts, financial limitations often hinder them from giving their absolute best. However, acknowledging the budgetary limitations does not imply a lack of solutions. In light of this, People Matters reached out to industry experts to glean insights into cost-effective strategies for promoting employee wellness within organisations. Here are some of them: 

Nurturing personal growth

To enhance the overall well-being of companies, many prioritise mental and physical health initiatives. However, for a truly effective budgeting policy geared towards corporate well-being, it's crucial to address the holistic needs of individuals. This involves investing in mental well-being, such as implementing programs that cater to personal growth within a secure and stimulating work environment. Juan Felipe Velasco, Co-founder and COO of Remoti, emphasises the necessity of allocating budget to initiatives that foster creativity and co-creation, especially in today's dynamic work landscape. 

Within the budgetary framework, it's essential to integrate and sustain spaces that contribute to the well-being of individuals, allowing them to feel a sense of belonging and fulfilment by mentally satisfying their purpose within the company. Velasco suggests, "It is essential to allocate budget to programs and plans that encourage creativity and co-creation, especially in today's work environment. Within the budget, adequate spaces must be incorporated and maintained to invest in the well-being of people since they feel part of something, fulfilling and mentally satisfying their purpose within the company."

Break mental health stigmas

Normalising discussions around mental health challenges is pivotal in cultivating a supportive work environment. Implementing regular check-ins and feedback mechanisms is instrumental in assessing the impact of well-being initiatives and adapting interventions to meet evolving employee needs. The key emphasis lies in fostering a workplace culture that destigmatises mental health challenges. 

Sonal Arora emphasises the significance of embracing a holistic approach, asserting that organisations can not only attract top talent but also nurture a resilient and high-performing workforce through such initiatives. “By prioritising mental health and fostering an open and understanding culture, companies can contribute to a workplace that values the well-being of its employees, creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking support when needed,” she added.

Encourage colleagues' input and suggestions

Fostering workplace wellness doesn't have to be a costly endeavour. It goes beyond mere financial investments; it involves crafting and implementing the right people policies and processes. “At Uniqus, the approach to designing wellness programs begins by actively encouraging colleagues to share their ideas and suggestions, integrating them seamlessly into the global people strategy,” tells Sowmya Narayan, Chief People Officer at Uniqus Consultech. She further emphasises the belief that time is one of the most significant investments in ensuring employee happiness, acknowledgment, and reassurance. 

“Leaders at Uniqus dedicate time to engage with their teams, fostering better understanding. The presence of managers who prioritise employee well-being and actively support personal and professional development is deemed crucial. Additionally, Uniqus facilitates frequent social interactions among colleagues through gatherings that enhance connections and foster better collaboration. By valuing input from employees and prioritizing meaningful interactions, organisations can instil a culture of wellness without incurring excessive costs,” she added.

Embrace flexibility

Offering reasonable flexibility to employees during periods of heightened stress, whether stemming from professional or personal circumstances, is crucial. The Country Manager at GI Group Holding recommends initiatives such as leave pooling, promoting physical fitness, and providing annual health check-ups. These endeavours, despite requiring limited financial resources, can yield substantial long-term benefits. “By investing in these initiatives, organisations stand to enhance employee morale, engagement, and overall productivity, underscoring the notion that even modest resources can lead to significant returns in the well-being and effectiveness of the workforce,” she suggested.

Prioritise personal choice

At the core, individuals highly appreciate the freedom to pursue their interests. Granting employees the autonomy to define what wellness means to them is empowering—whether it involves participating in a rock-climbing class, indulging in a spa day, taking time off, or choosing to work from an exotic location. One consistently expressed desire from our workforce is the need for flexible working arrangements. 

Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Coursera, exemplifies this through their 'work from anywhere' policy. “This not only opens avenues for personal and professional development but actively promotes a harmonious work-life balance,” he said. The global organisational structure facilitates collaboration with colleagues worldwide, and comprehensive well-being support is offered through programs featuring professional therapists and career coaches. By valuing the freedom of choice, organisations can create a workplace environment that aligns with the diverse needs and aspirations of their employees.

Create psychological safety

Fostering psychological safety within organisations is a critical imperative. Recognising the significance of employee well-being, it becomes essential for companies to champion ongoing practices and initiatives that not only prioritise employee wellness but also cultivate a cohesive work atmosphere and a culture characterised by psychological safety. 

According to Sonal Arora, Country Manager at GI Group Holding, achieving this doesn't necessarily demand substantial financial investments. Small yet impactful initiatives, such as implementing Employee Assistance Programs and conducting awareness sessions for both employees and managers, play a pivotal role in fostering understanding and sensitivity among colleagues. These initiatives contribute significantly to the creation of a supportive and psychologically safe work environment, emphasising that it's not always about the budget but about meaningful actions.

Mark milestones

Fostering a sense of belonging and unity among employees is crucial from a cultural perspective. This involves more than just providing gifts for special occasions; it also entails implementing special wellness programs that are accessible during significant milestones in individuals' lives. According to the Co-founder and COO of Remoti, it's important to recognise and support employees during key life events such as graduations, weddings, and the birth of children. Additionally, there's a recognition that maintaining a balance between private and professional life is vital in promoting overall well-being within the workplace. 

The Co-founder and COO of Remoti suggest, "It is essential to make employees feel part of the company and united, not just through gifts for special dates but also through special wellness programs. These programs should be present at critical moments in people's lives, such as graduations, weddings, and births of children, while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining a balance between private life and professional life."