Workplace Wellbeing: Why Caring for Each Other is Key
We spend a significant amount of time at work each week, and feeling comfortable in our workplace contributes to our overall well-being. Studies have shown that employees who feel well cared for are likelier to perform well and recommend their employer to others. This blog explores why caring for each other in the workplace is key.
What caring in the workplace includes
When you ask yourself, what do you expect your workplace to look like? Ideally, our work environment feels safe and respectful, a place we enjoy going to and being in – this contributes to our emotional and mental well-being.
From an employer’s point of view, caring can come with regular check-ins. Creating a space where employees can openly express themselves without being judged, make suggestions for improvement, and receive offers for support and training to develop certain skills will make them feel heard, seen, and appreciated. For some people, it might be difficult to speak up on the spot, but a survey can be helpful in giving everyone a voice.
Transparency in decision-making processes can help build trust and understanding of why things need to be done in a certain way. Employees feel cared for when asked for their opinions and perspectives before being confronted with an outcome and instructions to achieve a goal.
Sharing small moments of everyday life at work with each other can contribute to creating stronger connections and seeing others for who they are as a person, not just a colleague.
Feeling cared for in the workplace fulfils basic human needs such as social support and belonging. When we can create a network that offers practical and emotional support, we won’t feel lonely and isolated, and eventually, this makes us an accepted and valued team member.
How every person can contribute to a caring workplace environment
We often expect a lot from our employers. Creating a caring work environment starts with everyone involved and their small contributions. We sit in the same boat with our co-workers, so why not be supportive towards each other?
Addressing topics such as stress and how to manage it, mental health struggles due to high workload, for example, and misunderstandings within the team can lead to a solution in cooperation. Just ignoring what does not feel okay will not bring betterment. We can all role-model for the rest of the team to speak up instead of bottling up an issue.
Imagine joining a new team; what would help you feel accepted? Every team member can contribute to making new employees welcome by initiating a chat, offering support, and reassuring them.
Teamwork creates a caring workplace, so it’s important to be open to cooperating, brainstorming the best way forward, and contributing to open communication.
What happens when we feel cared for in our workplace
A feeling that we matter to our employers and colleagues reduces our stress levels. Experiencing both practical and emotional support in our workplace contributes to “positive attribution”, meaning we feel optimistic, hopeful, energetic and more confident, and this reflects on the others around us.
In a caring work environment, managing stress and anxiety becomes easier, and being authentic can lead to strong and meaningful relationships with co-workers and leaders.
By contributing to workplace well-being, we ensure that everyone feels recognised and appreciated, which enhances our sense of value and meaning. Small gestures like a compliment can make a big difference.
When we are able to make friends in our workplace who care about us and who we care about, we feel more engaged, productivity increases, and we are more likely to stay on the team. This has a positive effect on the company’s performance.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Franziska Richter is a transcultural counsellor with the Willingness Team, offering counselling sessions to individuals and couples. She is particularly interested in sexuality, relationship issues, trauma and general mental health.
References
https://www.minddistrict.com/blog/why-support-from-colleagues-is-essential-for-workers-health
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-well-being/index.html
