Look, I’m a bloke who’s been in and around construction for the last 30+ years. We blokes don’t talk about this ‘feelings’ stuff. This is why the biggest killer of men under 50 is suicide – sobering thought that. I’m not saying we need to become all snowflaky and wet behind the ears, but as the saying goes, it’s good to talk. You’ve got a duty of care to the lads (I’m guessing it’s nearly all lads) on your sites and your employees in the office. Banter can cover up for many a troubled soul.

What is Self-Care?

Let’s first go to the dictionary and ask the experts. Self-care encompasses everything related to maintaining physical health, including hygiene, nutrition, and seeking medical care when needed. It’s a decision-making process empowering individuals to look after their health efficiently and conveniently, often in collaboration with health professionals.

Got that?

At a simple level, this is about helping your staff come to work and be happy, safe and healthy. But also to recognise they may bring their woes from home to work.

Sure, you see your business as your baby, but as the saying goes ‘it takes a village’. And to keep your business booming, you need to make sure your employees are healthy and happy, so they can stay on their A game.

Types of Self-Care

Let’s break this down into the different types of self-care.

Emotional Self-Care: Involves practices like positive self-talk, taking regular breaks, and maintaining social connections. As business owners, you’re sure to have experienced your fair share of burnout. It’s all about not letting your employees head down the same road. A simple ‘you alright, mate?’ may be enough to spot someone struggling.

Physical Self-Care: Such as, prioritising sleep, regular exercise, and choosing nutritious foods. Don’t look at me like I’m a fine one to talk. My body has been defined by some of the best food that Manchester can offer! Just ignore my office’s favourite bowl of special chocolate… that’s all about helping our clients’ emotional health when they visit.

Spiritual Self-Care: Work with me on this one. This may sound a little woo-hoo to you. But what works for others may not be your thing. Such as attending religious services, taking religious holidays off, spending time in nature, meditation, and keeping a gratitude journal.

Self-care involves making healthy lifestyle choices, responsibly using medicines – including the caffeine-laden and energy-type drinks, recognising symptoms, self-monitoring, and self-management of health conditions. But sometimes it’s not so easy to spot these dips in mental health by yourself. Believe me, my business coach is the first to tell me if I’m trying to overcommit. So, you need to open up the conversation with your employees as well.

Why Self-Care is Important

Stress and burnout are rampant. Average ratings of personal well-being in the UK have declined across all measures in the year ending March 2023. I’m sure we have personal stories to tell of how our mental health or people around us suffered during and after the COVID-19 years.

Similarly, older research commissioned by Mind found that 57% of the people surveyed drank alcohol after work to cope with stress. In addition to this, 28% said they smoked cigarettes, 16% took prescribed sleeping aids, and 15% took antidepressants. And yes, as a regular vaper, I know I am part of those statistics, but don’t judge me!

Self-care mitigates these issues, enhancing mental and physical health, reducing illness risks, and boosting energy.

We need to look after ourselves first! Without that, our work is sure to suffer.

How Improving Your Employee’s Self-Care Can Boost Your Business

Investing in your employees’ self-care isn’t just beneficial for them; it’s a strategic move that can significantly boost your business in various ways:

Enhanced Productivity

Employees practising self-care are more likely to be mentally and physically rejuvenated, leading to higher productivity. After all, your on-site employees are often doing a hard physical job for you. They need all the energy and strength they can get. Regular self-care reduces fatigue, enhances concentration, and fosters a more energetic and efficient workforce.

Better Retention and Recruitment

A culture that prioritises self-care attracts top talent and retains them. Employees are likelier to stay with a company that values their well-being, reducing turnover costs and enhancing its reputation as a desirable workplace.

Reduced Burnout

Burnout is a major cause of reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Encouraging self-care reduces the risk of burnout, ensuring that your team remains motivated and engaged.

Positive Work Culture

A workplace that promotes self-care is often characterised by positivity and higher morale. This environment fosters collaboration, creativity, and community, enhancing the work atmosphere.

Increased Employee Engagement

When employees feel cared for, their loyalty and engagement increase. This heightened engagement leads to better customer service, enhanced team collaboration, and a stronger commitment to the company’s goals.

Decreased Turnover Rates

Replacing employees is expensive. Fostering an environment of self-care can significantly reduce turnover, saving the company substantial recruitment and training costs.

Innovation and Creativity

Well-rested and mentally healthy employees are more likely to think creatively and propose innovative solutions, driving the business forward.

Better Decision Making

Employees who engage in self-care have clearer minds and are better equipped to make sound, strategic decisions, which is crucial for the growth and success of any business.

Enhanced Company Image

A company that promotes self-care and employee well-being enhances its brand image, making it more attractive to potential clients and partners who value corporate responsibility.

Resilience in Challenging Times

Employees who regularly practice self-care are more resilient during stressful periods, such as economic downturns or organisational changes, ensuring business continuity and stability.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Employees feel valued and important when a company takes active steps to encourage self-care. This sense of belonging can foster a strong, united workforce aligned with the company’s mission and values.

By integrating self-care into your business culture, you not only enhance the well-being of your employees but also set up your business for long-term success. In today’s fast-paced and stressful business environment, a strategy that includes employee self-care is not just beneficial; it’s essential.

How to Encourage Employee Self-Care

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Burnt the midnight oil, pushed like a donkey up a hill, and forgotten to fill our own tank in the process. Well, that’s where self-care comes in. Fostering a culture of self-care in the workplace is crucial for both employee well-being and organisational success.

1. Educate Employees on Self-Care

Teach all employees about self-care practices and their significance. By organising workshops and distributing informative materials, the staff gains essential knowledge. This approach means a well-informed workforce is better equipped to manage their health, enhancing overall productivity and morale.

2. Make Flexible Working an Option

Introduce flexible working schedules to help balance professional and personal life. Allowing employees to adjust their work hours fosters an environment where stress is minimised and optimises work-life balance, resulting in a more engaged and efficient team.

3. Provide Mental Health Resources

Offer mental health resources, such as counselling services and app subscriptions. This commitment to mental health support signifies that the organisation values its employees’ well-being. Staff members feel supported and valued, increasing job satisfaction and engagement.

4. Offer Stress and Time Management Learning Opportunities

Providing training for effective stress and time management equips employees with critical skills. This initiative ensures that staff can better manage workplace pressures, contributing positively to the organisation’s efficiency and reducing burnout.

5. Establish Work Hours

Clearly defining work hours helps employees distinguish between work and personal time. This means that employees can fully disengage from work after hours, leading to increased focus and productivity during working hours.

6. Prioritise Mentoring

Implement mentoring programs for personalised guidance in self-care. This approach supports individual development and strengthens the team dynamic, leading to a more cohesive and supportive work environment.

7. Lead by Example

When leaders practice self-care, they set a positive example within the organisation. This leadership style fosters a culture where self-care is valued and practised, ensuring employees feel encouraged to prioritise their well-being.

Don’t Forget About Your Self-Care

Don’t forget about yourself in all this! You can’t pour from an empty cut, can you? So, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. This means ditching the all-nighters, fuelling yourself with proper grub, and finding ways to unwind. Burnout is a nasty bugger, and it’ll sink your ship faster than a leaky bucket.

Here’s the bottom line: A happy boss makes for a happy crew, and a happy crew makes for a successful business. It’s all connected. Look after your lot, and they’ll look after the business. It’s a win-win, see?

Interested to find out more?

Call us on 01617 985789

Or book a meeting at https://calendly.com/d/ckfd-tzk-zbb