I hate Mondays

Garfield

We have all experienced the groan that is a Monday morning, trying to ramp up the gears after a weekend and get your head in the zone.

Not saying all jobs are like this, and they really don’t have to be!

If you find yourself in this position maybe you need to review your wellbeing, re-evaluate what will improve your mood and form better relationships with your peers.

COVID has kick-started a work-life balance trend, as more people were able to work from home there was less time commuting, not having to dress in office attire and flexible work schedule…this is on the change and people are now having to come back in to offices.

By prioritising wellbeing, it may reduce unhealthy working practices such as ‘presenteeism’ (people working when unwell), with at least three-quarters of organisations reporting presenteeism among people working from home as well as in a physical workplace. Seven in ten have also observed some form of ‘leaveism’, such as working outside contracted hours or using holiday entitlement when unwell or to work, over the past 12 months.

4 day week Global

https://www.4dayweek.com/

A new UK trial of the four day week was launched in January 2022 by 4 Day Week Global. 4 Day Week Global is a not-for-profit community established by Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart to provide a platform for like-minded people who are interested in supporting the idea of the 4 day work week as a part of the future of work.

Their business model advocates for the 100-80-100 model – 100% of the pay, 80% of the time, but critically, 100% of the productivity.

63% of businesses found it easier to attract and retain talent with a 4 day work week.

78% of employees with 4 day work weeks are happier and less stressed.

Improve the work-life balance of your employees and deliver transformational benefits in their daily lives, while improving physical and mental health, and reducing levels of burnout, stress, sick leave, and absenteeism. The four-day work week is shown to result in happier employees, with higher levels of job satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Would you want to adopt this style?

Wellbeing in the office

Wellbeing should be part of your health & safety policy, and there are ways businesses can incorporate a strong strategy to improve employee wellbeing and staff retention!

Values/Principles

Within business strategy most companies will have a mission and core values their employees should uphold. There should also be a good equality and diversity policy in place with strong ethical standards and for management and all staff to encourage staff inclusivity.

Health

Promote effective physical and mental health within the workplace. Some ways you could do this is:

  • Offer health checks and occupational health support
  • Complete risk assessments for equipment and desk ergonomics
  • Provide conflict resolution training and safeguarding training
  • Give employees access to stress management, and assistance for their mental health
Good lifestyle choices

Whether your business encourages charity runs, or lunchtime yoga, or even the cycle to work scheme, it’s a great way to bond and build rapport by doing group activities. Alternatively, bring it in to the kitchen! Healthy meal choices  

Good work

To ensure quality work from your employees it is best practice to have a policy in place for an open and inclusive culture. Good work comes with good training, defined roles and manageable workloads. It is encouraged to have an even work-life balance.

Collective/Social

Help employees build positive relationships with their peers. This can be done through communication, and involvement in key decision making for the business. Giving the employee the voice

Personal growth

A great way to improve wellbeing is to help staff to develop in their careers. You could do this using an apprenticeship as a cost effective way to develop skills, or even putting them on to a first aid course. By listening to what your employees are after they will feel they are being cared for and will want to do more. Promote lifelong learning, provide reviews and set goals and targets for all employees.

Financial wellbeing

Pay rates above the statutory National Minimum/Living Wage, flexible benefits scheme is a great way to encourage employees. Providing debt counselling, or free advice and access to financial advice is beneficial. And to provide a healthy pension contribution is a great incentive.