On March 5^th, businesses the world over will celebrate Employee Appreciation Day. Employers will thank their employees for their hard work and dedication over the past 12 months. The lucky ones may even get a surprise half-day!

While Employee Appreciation Day is an opportunity to remind your employees of their importance, it’s something that could be happening on a daily basis. Below, we look at how you can support your employees, especially when it comes to wellbeing.

Burnout and the importance of a healthy work-life balance

The World Health Organisation specifically describes employee burnout as a syndrome resulting from ‘chronic workplace stress that has not been managed successfully’.

Burnout follows if work-related stress isn’t properly managed and can have a broad and negative impact on business operations. Employee wellbeing takes a hit and as a result, so too does productivity.

However, by promoting a healthy work-life balance, you can reduce the risk of employee burnout. Here are some tips on getting the balance right:

• Don’t email or contact employees outside working hours.
• Encourage staff to take their daily breaks.
• Consider flexible working.
• Ensure workloads are manageable.

Make praise part of your day

Employee Appreciation Day is all about thanking your employees for their hard work. But it’s also a great time to begin a healthy new habit. Thanking your employees for their work on a more regular basis – no matter the task – is a great way to reinforce the impact their work is having.

Offer access to an Employee Assistance Program

Employees may have issues they would prefer not to bring directly to management. That’s where an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) comes in handy. An EAP provides employees with a range of supports, including:

• Inclusion of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with face-to-face sessions.
• Access to a confidential 24/7 helpline.
• Helpful online resources for wellbeing.
• Online health assessments.

An EAP means employees can access whatever support they need throughout the year. Outsourcing this support to wellbeing professionals also frees up time for you to get on with the running of your business.

Need our help with your employee issues?

For further advice on handling any employee issue, speak to one of our advisors now on 01 886 0350 or request a callback here.