10 Aug 2020

Five top tips for making social wellbeing the new priority for workforce wellbeing

Social wellbeing is a key pillar in many wellbeing strategies. In fact, our workplace wellbeing research with the CIPD, shows that 96% of organisations design their health and wellbeing activity to promote collective and social relationships.

A case study of Simplyhealth, as an organisation, focussing on how it is actioning organisational purpose will be presented by Sian Evans, head of leadership and learning, and Camilla Brooke, head of client relationships, both from Simplyhealth, at the Employee Wellbeing Congress on 23^rd September at 11.45.

Mental health is especially connected to social wellbeing. And isolation and loneliness caused by lockdown has really highlighted this. Mental health charity, Mind, has even declared the coronavirus pandemic ‘a mental health emergency’, with huge increases in the numbers of people now reporting poor mental health. Therefore, as such an important factor for overall wellbeing, how do we promote social wellbeing in our new socially-distant normal? Here are our five top tips:

1. Digital communications

We might all feel exhausted by virtual meetings and conference calls – how many times have you heard the phrase, ‘I think you’re on mute’? But platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Workplace can really benefit employees in a social way, and for many have become a lifeline to work. Features like chat and video calling can help ensure that employees don’t miss out on the social aspects of being in a physical office.

2. Frequent catch-ups

Regular check-ins with teammates and managers are key for social wellbeing, especially during this period of homeworking. A quick, ten-minute catch-up at the start of each day can go some way to replace the ‘good morning’ chats as your grab a cup of coffee in the office. Remember it doesn’t always have to be work-related. Allow employees to share their stories from outside work to help develop and nurture social relationships.

3. Socially distant meetings and 1-2-1s

At the time of writing, outdoor gatherings are permitted across the UK, with varying restrictions in each country. If employees feel comfortable to do so, socially distanced 1-2-1s or small meetings could be possible. Meeting face-to-face – even with social distancing in place – provides a level of human, rather than screen, interaction. This can make a huge difference to social wellbeing and takes away the screen-fatigue that many experience when working from home.

4. Social interest groups

Lockdown has offered many people the time to try out new hobbies. Why not encourage employees to create social interest groups to share their interests; perhaps a virtual, after-work book club, or an online group to share photography. Being able to share personal interests can help employees find common ground and build relationships with work colleagues.

5. Competitions and challenges

Running competitions or challenges, and encouraging the whole workforce to get involved, can have great positive impacts on social wellbeing. How about a company-wide step challenge, fundraising for your charity of the year, or even a talent competition. All can promote team morale and social interaction.

Finding ways to promote social wellbeing to the workforce might be challenging, but it must be a top priority for employers – particularly in light of the current pandemic – to help employees feel good and perform well at work.

This article is provided by Simplyhealth.

Financial wellbeing is one of the key themes at this years’ virtual Employee Wellbeing Congress. View the full agenda and register here to attend.