Red and Green Flags of Workplace Wellbeing
The quality of our workplace significantly impacts our wellbeing, both emotional and mental. While some workplaces thrive on stress, anxiety, and long hours, others promote work-life balance, encouraging a healthy attitude towards work. If you’re in the process of choosing a new job, there are red and green flags to indicate how an organisation prioritises the wellbeing of its employees. If you want a job that won’t make you dread working every day, you need to consider workplace wellbeing.
Green flags: These factors should encourage your confidence in an organisation’s commitment to its employees’ wellbeing:
Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements: Companies that respect their employees’ personal lives and offer flexible work options can help reduce stress and promote satisfaction which leads to better performance.
Opportunities for growth and development: Organisations that invest in their employees’ professional development show they value their contributions and want them to succeed.
A healthy and positive work environment: Companies that have a strong team culture, encourage open communication, and recognize employee achievements set a positive tone for a thriving workplace.
Employee assistance programs (EAP) and wellness initiatives: Companies that offer EAPs and wellness programs demonstrate their commitment to supporting their employees’ physical and mental health.
Competitive benefits and compensation: Competitive benefits and compensation packages show that a company values its employees and wants to attract and retain top talent.
Leadership that encourages and promotes work-life balance: If you want to work for a company that truly cares about employee wellbeing, make sure you do a deep dive into the leadership. If they walk the talk, you’ve found a good one.
Red flags: These warning signs could signal significant workplace wellbeing concerns:
Long hours and burnout culture: Companies that encourage constant work and normalise burnout should be avoided. Your physical health and mental well-being matter more!
Poor communication and lack of transparency: Organisations with poor communication practices often lead to frustration and low morale among employees. If your managers won’t communicate freely, keep looking.
Lack of flexibility and work-life balance: Work-life balance is crucial for a fulfilling life. If a company is resistant to flexible work arrangements, or requires constant overtime, don’t expect your work life to be harmonious.
No opportunities for growth and development: Stagnation can be a big demotivator, so seek a company that invests in its employees’ professional development. If you can’t grow your skills or learn new things, it’s not the place for you.
High turnover and low employee morale: If a company’s turnover rate is high, people are likely leaving for valid reasons. Check employee reviews to see if the company truly cares about its workers.
No emphasis on physical and mental health: Companies that offer health insurance are one thing, but those that actively promote employee wellbeing are essential for healthy, long-term employment.
It’s crucial to find a workplace that aligns with your values and prioritises employee wellbeing. Your job should bring satisfaction, challenges, opportunities for growth, and, ideally, fun. If you’re considering a new position, use these red and green flags as a guide to assess the organisation’s commitment to its employees’ wellbeing. Don’t settle for a job that drains your energy and negatively impacts your overall wellbeing. Find a company that values your contributions and fosters a healthy, supportive work environment. If you are looking for free employment support, to help you find a meaningful job that will support your mental health and wellbeing, Shaw Trust can help you.
Shaw Trust offer a range of voluntary employment support services to help you thrive in a current or new job. Please visit: www.shawtrust.org.uk for more information on how you can find rewarding employment.