With this in mind, this article shares practical and accessible advice for infusing the ecological spirit into your company culture, transforming small gestures into big steps forward for the environment.

Why Is an Eco-Friendly Workplace Important?

Environmental practices within the workplace are important for a wide range of reasons. Beyond the benefits they bring to your company, minimizing your company's environmental damage also has a great impact on the state of the world. Implementing just a few effective practices and spearheading environmental initiatives in your workplace highlights an ongoing commitment to your employees' well-being as well as the well-being of the planet. 

Here are the benefits of having an eco-friendly workplace:

• Alignment with Sustainability Goals: Establishing an eco-friendly workplace reinforces an organization's commitment to sustainability goals, fostering a culture where employees are motivated to engage in environmentally responsible behaviours and contribute to a common environmental goal.

• Reduction of Carbon Footprint: Implementing eco-friendly practices in the workplace such as energy-efficient appliances and reduced plastic bottle usage can significantly decrease your carbon footprint, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of carbon emissions on the climate.
  
• Conservation of Natural Resources: By adopting sustainable business practices, workplaces can contribute to the conservation of natural resources such as water, energy, and raw materials, thus ensuring their availability for future generations, proving your business is committed for the long run.
  
• Cost Benefits: Incorporating eco-friendly practices often leads to cost savings in the long term through reduced energy consumption, waste reduction, and lower environmental costs. These financial benefits can positively impact the bottom line of businesses while promoting environmental stewardship.

Explore Digital Solutions to Minimize your Environmental Impact

Top 15 Tips to Make Your Workplace Culture More Eco-Friendly

1. Prioritize Remote Working and Eco-Friendly Transportation

With the lockdowns of 2020, we all noticed quieter streets, less polluted cities, and nature thriving. For the planet, it was a breath of fresh air as the widespread telecommuting significantly reduced our travel and thus, pollution. This is a trend that can easily continue. Invite office workers to adopt flexible schedules that don't require mass transit which causes huge carbon emissions.

Instead, if employees do have to come into the office space, encourage them to use more eco-friendly modes of transportation such as public transportation, bikes, electric scooters, or even skateboards and rollerblades! A good first step to make your company more responsible!

2. Implement a Sorting Program to Encourage Waste Recycling

Waste sorting has become a habit for many Canadian households. Why not maintain this good practice at the office to encourage material recycling? From the kitchen to workspaces, set up a waste sorting system by installing different recycling bins dedicated to compost and food waste, plastic materials, paper waste, and non-recyclable waste products. Also, provide clear signage to help your employees correctly sort their waste.

A recycling program is a small initiative that everyone can partake in that highlights a dedication toward a greener future. You should also consider using recycled materials and sustainable products in your everyday work life, such as recycled paper or second-hand appliances to take your recycling initiative one step further.

3. Save Energy On Your Premises

Do you make sure to turn off lights and heating in the evening or during weekends when leaving the office? These small gestures make all the difference in saving energy resources and cutting costs on your electricity bill. Turning off computers at the end of the workday, switching off lights during the day if your office is bright enough or when rooms are not in use, closing taps tightly to prevent water wastage, etc can all have a positive impact. Your team will be pleasantly surprised by your environmental awareness.

4. Prioritize a Paperless Office

In the era of digitalization, say goodbye to massive binders and stacks of loose papers! If not already done, invest in digital solutions to manage all the activities and organization of your company. Online calendars, storage, and sharing spaces, payroll processing software – numerous tools exist to coordinate and store all your work documents and organization data online.

Not only will you reduce paper usage (and consequently the quantity of your waste), but you will likely also gain efficiency! The average office worker has already adapted to the digital sphere, so creating paperless systems should be seamless and it even makes things easier for remote workers to stay in the loop of business operations.

• Good news: with Rise, you can fully manage your payroll system, HR, and benefits policy through our user-friendly online platform!

5. Do Business with Environmentally Committed Suppliers

Choosing to do business with environmentally friendly brands and companies sends a strong message to your teams and clients. This demonstrates that you are dedicated to working with organizations that share your values. Research the suppliers you are interested in to learn more about their efforts in sustainable development. This could be an organic and fair-trade coffee supplier, or a raw materials supplier committed to preserving resources.

At Rise, for example, we are proud to collaborate with the eco-friendly florist Oursin Fleurs: besides offering us beautiful bouquets, this workshop also strives to reduce its ecological footprint at every stage of the design process with a zero-waste goal.

6. Reuse to Reduce Waste

Did you know that Canadians use about 1.6 to 2 billion disposable coffee cups each year? That is just one example of the wasteful society that we live in, but you can change that. For example, limit waste in your office by providing your teams with travel mugs and stainless steel water bottles in the company's colors to simultaneously discourage waste and promote your brand! Also, avoid plastic cutlery and replace them with reusable utensils in your office kitchen, encouraging employees to wash them after each use.

7. Opt for 100% Green Decor with Indoor Plants

In terms of decoration, indoor plants have never been more trendy! Good news, they also contribute to improving indoor air quality by reducing the presence of harmful pollutants in rooms and increasing oxygen levels. It's not us saying this, it's a NASA study: plants reduce indoor air pollutants by 87% within 24 hours. In addition to personalizing your decor in a green workplace, the benefits of indoor greenery are recognized to help improve people's mood, promote productivity and creativity, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. 

8. Take Care of Your Human Energy

You might not have suspected it, but an eco-friendly company is also an organization that encourages healthy lifestyles and the well-being of its employees. Ensure that offices and bathrooms are always clean, prioritize healthy snacks and drinks (fruits, tea, infusions), and encourage employees to engage in regular physical activity by reimbursing their gym memberships.

Take care of your team by providing a healthy and non-toxic environment on a daily basis. A healthy team will be even more beneficial for overall productivity and the image of your company and highlights your dedication to their wellbeing. 

Prioritize your Employees with Regular Check-ins

9. Volunteer to Support Causes That Matter To You

As a more responsible company, supporting causes that are important to you can also be a good way to communicate your company values and give meaning to your approach. Participate in waste cleanup operations in the city or nature, collect items for recycling, and maintain a shared botanical garden – there are many volunteer programs you can be a part of.

It's an excellent way to have a significant impact on your surroundings and create a genuine sense of belonging among your employees who will want to get involved with you. Find a philanthropic project that resonates with you and involves your collaborators.

10. Make Green Thinking an Asset of Your Corporate Culture

Nothing beats communication and team spirit to convey your environmental commitment to your employees. Involve them, seek their opinions, engage in discussions with your team members, and collaborate with them to gather their ideas on how your organization can become more environmentally friendly.

To encourage useful and diverse initiatives in your team, you can explore the United Nations' "17 Sustainable Development Goals to Save the World" on their website. A great source of inspiration and motivation to build a better world with your organization. By making responsible practices a shared goal, you can embody the image of a quality employer brand and encourage your employees to get involved with you.

11. Grow a Garden

Growing a garden in the workplace promotes an eco-friendly environment in numerous ways. Firstly, it reduces the carbon footprint by absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen, improving air quality. Secondly, it encourages biodiversity, providing habitats for beneficial insects and birds, thus enhancing the local ecosystem. Thirdly, cultivating a garden fosters a connection to nature, reducing stress levels and boosting employee well-being and productivity.

Additionally, it promotes sustainable food practices, enabling employees to harvest fresh produce, and reducing reliance on packaged and processed foods. Overall, a workplace garden embodies sustainability, fosters community engagement, and contributes positively to both the environment and employee health.

12. Install Solar Panels

Installing solar panels in the workplace is pivotal for fostering an environmentally friendly work environment. Solar panels harness sunlight, a renewable energy source, converting it into electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gases, thereby mitigating carbon emissions and combating climate change.

They bolster energy efficiency by providing a clean and sustainable power source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This not only decreases the company's carbon footprint but also cuts energy costs in the long term. By embracing solar energy, businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, bolstering their reputation as responsible stewards of the environment while paving the way for a greener future.

13. Implement a Digital Library for Professional Development 

Transition to a digital library for your organization's professional development resources. Instead of purchasing physical books, magazines, or printed materials, subscribe to digital versions or use e-books. This not only significantly reduces paper use but also allows for easier sharing of resources among employees, leading to a more collaborative and environmentally conscious learning environment. Encouraging digital readership contributes to sustainability efforts by minimizing the demand for paper production and transportation of physical materials, while also keeping your team engaged and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and skills development opportunities.

14. Encourage Resource Sharing

Employees sharing resources in the workplace fosters an eco-friendly environment by minimizing waste and reducing consumption. Sharing items like office supplies, equipment, and even workspace encourages a culture of resourcefulness and sustainability. By pooling resources, companies can reduce the need for excessive purchasing and production, thereby decreasing their overall environmental impact.

Additionally, resource sharing promotes collaboration and camaraderie among employees, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. This practice not only conserves natural resources but also saves money for the company while promoting a culture of responsibility and environmental stewardship among employees.

15. Set Green Challenges

Green challenges in the workplace are initiatives designed to engage employees in eco-friendly activities and behaviors. By setting goals related to energy conservation, waste reduction, or sustainable practices, companies inspire staff to actively participate in environmental stewardship. These challenges foster a sense of camaraderie and competition among employees, motivating them to adopt more sustainable habits both at work and in their personal lives.

Through participation in green challenges, employees learn about the importance of environmental sustainability and the collective impact of small actions. Ultimately, these initiatives promote a culture of environmental responsibility and contribute to a greener, more eco-friendly workplace.

Do you know your eco-responsibility score? Have you heard about the Green Pages website? It's the largest directory of eco-friendly businesses in Quebec and Canada. The site allows you to rate the environmental score of your organization to assess your level of eco-responsibility. Inquire to obtain your certification – it's free!

Create an Eco-Friendly Workspace With Digital Solutions

Rise's people management platform revolutionizes HR operations with its digital software, enhancing efficiency while championing eco-friendly practices. By digitizing processes such as payroll, employee scheduling, and performance management, Rise minimizes reliance on paper documentation, significantly reducing waste and environmental impact.

This streamlined approach not only improves workplace productivity but also aligns with sustainability goals, demonstrating Rise's commitment to environmental responsibility. Through innovative technology, Rise empowers organizations to manage their workforce seamlessly while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

The post 15 Tips to Make Your Workplace Culture More Eco-Friendly appeared first on Rise.

Supporting your employees in maintaining happiness and health not only reduces absenteeism and enhances performance but also fosters a more engaged and productive workforce. It’ll help your bottom line as well. Research shows that "The Canadian government’s Workplace Wellness Plan return on investment (ROI) was $1.95-$3.75 per employee per dollar spent".

If you want to reap the myriad of benefits presented by workplace wellness programs, you need to start implementing them today. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the advantages of wellness programs and give you our favorite activities to inspire wellness programs for your company. 

What is an Employee Wellness Program?

An employee wellness program is a structured initiative implemented by organizations to promote and support the overall health and well-being of their employees. These programs typically encompass a wide range of activities, resources, and benefits designed to address various aspects of wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Examples may include fitness challenges, mindfulness sessions, health screenings, nutrition workshops, mental health support services, and flexible work arrangements. By investing in employee wellness, organizations aim to improve morale, enhance productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and foster a positive workplace culture. Overall, employee wellness programs play a crucial role in supporting employees' holistic health and happiness.

Improve Employee Experiences with a People Management Platform

What Are The Key Elements of a Wellness Program?

10 key elements can manifest in a comprehensive wellness program. Whilst your company's program does not need to encompass all 10 aspects, focusing on one or two elements at the core of your activities will ensure you are successful in meeting the needs of your employees:

• Physical Wellness: Activities promoting physical health, such as fitness challenges, exercise classes, health screenings, and access to gym facilities or fitness reimbursement programs.
  
• Mental Health Support: Resources for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, including counseling services, mental health workshops, mindfulness training, and employee assistance programs.
  
• Nutritional Support: Education on healthy eating habits, nutrition workshops, access to healthy food options, and initiatives promoting hydration and balanced meals.
  
• Emotional Well-Being: Strategies for managing emotions and building resilience, such as stress management workshops, emotional intelligence training, and support groups.
  
• Social Connections: Opportunities for building social connections and fostering a sense of community, such as team-building activities, social events, and volunteer opportunities.
  
• Work-Life Balance: Policies and programs promoting work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements, telecommuting options, and support for caregiving responsibilities.
  
• Preventive Health Care: Initiatives encouraging preventive health measures, such as immunizations, health screenings, and wellness exams.
  
• Financial Wellness: Resources for financial planning, budgeting, and debt management, as well as retirement planning workshops and access to financial counseling services.
  
• Environmental Wellness: Initiatives promoting a healthy work environment, such as ergonomic assessments, access to natural light and green spaces, and programs supporting sustainability efforts.
  
• Holistic Wellness: Integration of holistic approaches to wellness, including complementary and alternative medicine therapies, relaxation techniques, and access to massage therapy or acupuncture services.

What are the Benefits of an Employee Wellness Program?

Implementing employee wellness programs within your company will not only benefit the success of your company but will encourage a positive company culture that has wide-reaching effects on employees.:

• Improved Employee Morale: Workplace wellness programs improve mental health and boost morale by promoting a culture of care and support, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and motivation among employees.
  
• Enhanced Employee Engagement: These programs engage employees by providing opportunities for them to participate in activities that promote physical health, mental well-being, and work-life balance, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment.
  
• Reduced Workplace Stress Levels: By offering stress management techniques, such as mindfulness sessions or counseling services, wellness programs help employees cope with workplace stressors, leading to a more productive, resilient, and content workforce.
  
• Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Wellness programs encourage employees to adopt healthier lifestyles through activities like fitness challenges, nutritional education, and smoking cessation programs, contributing to improved physical health and overall well-being.
  
• Increased Employee Retention: Investing in workplace wellness demonstrates a company's commitment to its employees' well-being, leading to decreased employee turnover as individuals feel valued and supported, regardless of whether they work in-office or remotely.

 10 Examples of Health and Wellness Programs in the Workplace

Top 15 Employee Wellness Program Ideas

The key to a successful workplace is to ensure you have happy and healthy employees. Your workers are at the center of your business, so it is important to put in the time and effort to increase employee satisfaction, and one of the most effective ways to achieve that is through running dedicated worksite wellness programs. To help you tap into the various dimensions of wellness, we have collated some of our favorite wellness programs that are guaranteed to improve the employee experience in your business. 

1. Walking Meetings

Even if you have a standing desk, it pays to get moving during the work day. Incorporating walking meetings into your workplace wellness program is a novel way to ensure everyone gets up and moving throughout the day. A little fresh air might even help stimulate your creativity and will definitely improve physical wellness and employee health. 

Whether it's for a 1:1 or a team meeting, getting moving can be a great way to get ideas flowing. Research shows that "walking enhances people's creativity and productivity. If walking meetings aren't a good fit for your team, you can still encourage employees to step away from their desks, take a break, and go for a walk on their own to clear their heads and reach their health goals.

Breaking Routine and Addressing Working From Home Fatigue

2. Meditation breaks

Stress management should be an important part of any workplace wellness program. Taking a ten-minute break for meditation or implementing “no-talk times” during the day can help employees de-stress and refocus their energies for improved productivity. The benefits of meditation are plentiful, with the Mayo Clinic listing reduced stress, increased focus, improved sleep quality, and a lowered resting heart rate and blood pressure as some of the many benefits.

3. Mid-Day Fitness

Encourage employees to get some physical activity during the workday by offering on-site fitness classes during breaks or lunch hours. Many workplaces offer weekly yoga classes at lunch, or at Rise, we plan semi-regular group walks over lunch in Burnaby's beautiful Central Park.

Some workplaces—including Rise—offer fitness subsidies to their employees as well. The subsidies allow employees to pick a fitness benefit of their choosing—whether a gym membership, yoga pass, boxing, or whatever—and get a certain amount reimbursed by the company. It's a great way to support employee wellness activities without actually having to organize them, particularly if you have remote employees.

4. Cooking Classes

Healthy eating is just as important as fitness for maintaining employee wellness. Something as simple as introducing healthy foods into the workplace canteen can greatly influence employee health and mental clarity. Healthier food options on lunch breaks are a simple switch that can make a huge difference, but hiring a chef to offer a healthy cooking class can be a fun way to mix things up and get everyone engaged. You can also use MasterClass to support online cooking classes and utilize the opportunity to teach workers about the benefits of healthier food choices. 

5. Flu Shots

Not the most exciting of activities for employees, but a great way to support employee wellness—with the bonus of also helping prevent the spread of illness in your workplace. Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to health and wellness activities at work, and providing vaccinations during flu season is a great way to emphasize that. If you can, bring a nurse on-site to administer the shots and don’t forget to provide reminders for employees to opt in.

6. Socialising Events 

Socializing events are a vital component of any successful employee wellness program, offering workers opportunities to connect and bond outside of work duties. These events provide a wide range of benefits, fostering stronger relationships among colleagues and improving communication channels within the organization.

Whether it's through organized activities like board games or informal gatherings like happy hours, these events promote stress reduction and create a more positive work environment. By prioritizing social interactions, companies can cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie among employees, contributing to a successful employee wellness program.

7. Wellness Challenges

Health challenges and wellness challenges are fun ways to help improve employee well-being and performance. Examples from Snacknation include the eight-glasses-of-water-a-day challenge and the 7-hours-of-sleep-per-night challenge (whoever does the task for the most days during 30 days wins a prize).

A smoking cessation challenge could be another option for employees who smoke. Alternatively, “wellness” could relate to financial wellness, too. Challenging employees to cook more meals at home rather than eating out not only improves dietary health, but it also helps save money and improve financial health—the opportunities are endless!

 16 Workplace Wellness Challenge Ideas to Try at the Office

 8. Mental Health Resources

Mental health resources play a crucial role in corporate wellness programs, demonstrating a commitment to employee health and well-being. Especially relevant for remote employees and office workers alike, these resources aim to alleviate stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

By offering counseling services, stress management workshops, and access to mental health professionals, companies create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and supported. Ultimately, integrating mental health resources into workplace wellness programs helps foster resilience, improve productivity, and enhance overall employee satisfaction and retention.

9. Mind-Body and Soul Activities

Mind-body and soul activities encompass practices like yoga, meditation, Thai chi, and mindfulness, offering holistic benefits for employee wellness. These activities promote stress reduction, mental clarity, and emotional resilience, fostering a positive work environment. Engaging in such practices enhances physical health, improves concentration, and boosts creativity, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

Additionally, incorporating activities like massages or holistic therapies can alleviate physical tension and promote relaxation. By addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul, these programs empower employees to achieve greater balance, resilience, and overall well-being, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant workplace culture.

10. Flexible Work Arrangements

Something as simple as implementing flexible working arrangements, such as flexible working hours, can significantly enhance employee well-being. This approach acknowledges and accommodates diverse personal needs and responsibilities, reducing stress associated with rigid schedules. Employees gain autonomy over their work-life balance, leading to decreased burnout, improved mental health, and increased job satisfaction.

With the freedom to manage their time effectively, individuals can pursue personal interests, attend to family obligations, and prioritize self-care. Flexible arrangements also foster trust and loyalty, boosting morale and retention rates. Ultimately, this simple yet impactful wellness program promotes a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.

11. Team Building Activities 

Team building activities serve as a valuable addition to any employee wellness program by fostering camaraderie, communication, and collaboration among team members. These activities create opportunities for employees to bond outside of their usual work tasks, strengthening relationships and building trust.

By promoting a sense of belonging and teamwork, team-building activities contribute to a positive work culture and enhance employee morale. Moreover, they provide a break from routine, reducing stress and boosting overall well-being, ultimately contributing to a more engaged and cohesive workforce.

Team-Building Icebreakers to Foster Connection and Engagement 

12. Smoking Cessation Initiative 

A Smoking Cessation Initiative within an employee wellness program is vital for promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing substance abuse concerns. By offering resources such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or support groups, organizations demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and align with core values of health and safety.

This initiative not only assists individuals in overcoming addiction but also contributes to a smoke-free workplace environment. As a cornerstone of workplace wellness activities, it empowers employees to make positive choices for their health, fostering a culture of wellness and resilience.

13. Financial Planning Workshops

A financial planning workshop is a valuable wellness program idea as it empowers employees to take control of their financial futures, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. By providing practical guidance on budgeting, saving, and investing, it equips individuals with the tools to achieve financial security and peace of mind.

Improved financial literacy fosters responsible financial habits, reducing the likelihood of debt-related stressors. Moreover, understanding long-term financial planning fosters a sense of stability, enhancing mental health and productivity at work. Ultimately, investing in employees' financial wellness cultivates a supportive and resilient workplace environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

14. Improve Workspaces

Enhancing the aesthetics of a workplace is a crucial wellness initiative, as it directly impacts employees' physical and mental well-being. Involving employees in the process fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction. A visually appealing environment promotes positive mood, creativity, and productivity while reducing stress and fatigue.

Employees feel more motivated and inspired in a well-designed space, leading to higher morale and retention rates. Moreover, collaborative efforts in beautifying the workplace strengthen teamwork and communication, fostering a supportive and cohesive work culture. Ultimately, prioritizing aesthetics creates a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere that contributes to overall employee happiness and success.

 15. Community Garden Initiatives

Community garden initiatives as workplace wellness programs offer numerous benefits. Employees engage in physical activity, fostering health and well-being through gardening whilst also gaining access to fresh produce, promoting healthy eating habits, and nutrition awareness. Participation in garden activities encourages teamwork, communication, and bonding among colleagues, enhancing workplace relationships.

Employees develop a sense of pride and ownership in nurturing the garden, boosting morale and satisfaction. Additionally, the garden serves as a green space for relaxation and stress relief, improving mental health. Overall, community garden initiatives not only promote physical wellness but also create a vibrant and supportive workplace environment conducive to employee happiness and productivity.

How To Track The Success of an Employee Wellness Program

Organizing yoga classes and health initiatives is all well and good, but pointless if you are not measuring their success. Different businesses and different teams will all respond differently to varying wellness programs, so team leaders or a dedicated wellness committee need to assess if the company is responding well to them or if they need to take a different approach.  Here are some of the most effective ways to track the success of your employee wellness programs:

Organize Regular Check-Ins

Regular check-ins provide valuable opportunities to assess employee engagement, satisfaction, and the effectiveness of wellness initiatives. By fostering open communication, addressing concerns promptly, and gathering feedback, check-ins enable organizations to tailor wellness programs to meet employees' evolving needs, ultimately contributing to their overall success and well-being. Rise's people management platform seamlessly facilitates regular check-ins which will provide employers with the opportunity to gauge the success of their wellness program. 

Utilize Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms

Regularly collect feedback from employees through surveys or feedback mechanisms. These could be anonymous surveys sent via email or conducted through platforms like Slack channels. Feedback can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the wellness program, employee satisfaction levels, and areas for improvement.

Monitor Employee Retention Rates

Employee retention is a key indicator of the success of a wellness program. High employee turnover can be costly for companies and may indicate dissatisfaction or disengagement among employees. Track retention rates before and after implementing the wellness program to assess its impact on employee satisfaction.

Analyzing Data and Metrics

Collect and analyze data related to the wellness program's impact on employee health, productivity, and overall well-being. Look at metrics such as changes in healthcare utilization, participation rates in wellness activities, or improvements in health outcomes like reduced stress levels or increased physical activity. Regularly reviewing these metrics can help you gauge the effectiveness of the program and make data-driven decisions for improvement.

Is Implementing an Employee Wellness Program Worth It?

Yes, an employee wellness program is unequivocally worth it. These programs prioritize employee health and well-being, offering resources, support, and opportunities for personal growth. By promoting healthier lifestyles and providing access to wellness activities, employees experience improved physical fitness, reduced stress, and enhanced mental health.

Moreover, wellness programs demonstrate that employers value their employees beyond their work contributions, fostering loyalty and job satisfaction. With increased morale and job satisfaction, employees are more engaged, productive, and motivated, leading to a fulfilling work experience and ultimately contributing to a better quality of life and a successful business.

Improve Employee Wellness With Rise's People Management Platform

Rise's people management software stands out as a transformative tool designed with employees at the center. By prioritizing employee wellness with Rise's people management platform, you can foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and success in your organization

The post 15 Wellness Activity Ideas to Incorporate Into Your Workplace Wellness Program appeared first on Rise.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace landscape, the significance of creativity cannot be overstated. From fostering innovation to seizing new opportunities, a creative mindset is the cornerstone of success. A creative person, equipped with fresh perspectives and inventive ideas, can transform concepts into reality.

A commitment to cultivating a creative environment empowers teams to brainstorm smart solutions and adapt to challenges seamlessly. Below, we've gathered innovative solutions to facilitate embracing creativity while emphasizing the importance for entrepreneurs to prioritize creative thinkers and activities to foster success within their corporate culture

Why is Creativity Important in the Workplace?

The benefits of creativity in the workplace are impressive and far-reaching. Beyond promoting fresh thinking, opening up a space for creativity at work creates a positive company culture in which team bonding is encouraged, employee productivity booms, and out-of-the-box thinking is encouraged. 

Here are key advantages of creativity in the workplace:

• Professional Growth: Creativity in the workplace promotes an environment conducive to continuous learning and development. Employees are encouraged to engage in divergent thinking, exploring various perspectives and solutions. This fosters personal and professional growth as they tackle challenges creatively, opening up additional opportunities for employees.
• Innovation and Opportunities: Creative ideas catalyze innovation, driving businesses forward in competitive markets. By encouraging employees to think outside the box, companies can uncover innovative solutions to complex problems, opening new avenues for growth and expansion.
• Positive Outcomes and Solutions: Embracing creativity cultivates a culture where failures are viewed as stepping stones to success rather than setbacks. Employees are more inclined to take calculated risks and experiment with new ideas, leading to freedom of discovery.
• Inclusive Environment: A culture of creativity fosters inclusivity by valuing diverse perspectives and contributions. Employees feel empowered to express their ideas freely, knowing that their voices are heard and respected. This creates a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration among team members.
• Enhanced Everyday Work Life: Creativity injects excitement and inspiration into everyday work life, making tasks more engaging and fulfilling. Employees are motivated to explore fresh ideas and approaches, leading to a more dynamic and enjoyable work environment.

The Best People Management Platform

7 Tips To Inspire Creativity In The Workplace

If you want to provide employees with the freedom to experiment with innovative ideas without the fear of failure, it is essential to foster creative workplaces. However, creativity in business rarely takes center stage, so most business owners don’t know where to start in their commitment to creativity. To make the process easier, we have collated some inventive solutions to help you spark creativity in the workplace. 

1. Encourage Creativity With an Inclusive and Fun Team Environment

A genuine team-based environment, in which leaders encourage connections through collaboration and social time, is essential for innovative teamwork. Managers will notice a remarkable difference when the effort is made to “de-silo” the organization. Instead of staying separate and heads-down on only their projects, employees should have the opportunity to interact with colleagues in different departments to gain an informed understanding of the company as a whole. This will spark creative thinking and allow for ideas and inspiration to flow freely across departments.

Additionally, humour in the workplace plays a significant role in team-bonding. Research shows that humour can reduce stress, increase relationship building, and create better cohesion. You can create a "water cooler" channel on Slack or similar chat software to allow your employees to enjoy some office banter, especially if your team is remote or hybrid. You can also add buffer time to your team meetings to allow time for everyone to chat about their weekend plans or other casual conversations. 

Of course, humour should be universal and non-exclusionary. Avoid any hot-button topics or things that run the risk of being mean-spirited such as pranks or teasing. It’s also important to note that sarcasm—while common—can “have a corrosive effect” and even come across as degrading when it’s at someone’s expense.  A playful but polite company culture helps create a sense of belonging and safety, which is the gateway to creative expression and thought-generation. 

2. Promote Creativity Through Office Design

A creative company prioritizes an exciting workspace that inspires creativity and innovation. Even if your office layout is more cubicles than open space, there are still ways that you can help employees feel inspired by their surroundings. For example, you can encourage employees to bring in photos, prints, or small decorative objects from home. You can also hang some artwork on the wall and bring in task lighting and tall lamps. 

Add office plants to help purify the air and bring a touch of nature inside. These simple steps bring an inherent element of creativity into any space. You should also consider investing in sit-stand desks to give your employees flexibility and better health, as backaches aren’t conducive to creative thinking. These elements, along with others, can create an atmosphere in which employees feel more comfortable and creative. 

3. Provide Freedom and Flexibility in How Work is Done

Creativity in the workplace does not have to mean creativity in the workspace. Sometimes a change of scenery can help spark new ideas. Every now and then, switch up your team routine with off-site and walking meetings. Brainstorming at a coffee shop might generate more ideas than you think, as it helps to break up the routine. You should also encourage any remote or hybrid employees to do the same.

If your employees have returned to the office full-time, consider expanding or updating your current remote work policy to allow employees more flexibility while helping them cut costs and save employees time when it comes to commuting. Offering flexibility in the workplace is essential for not just creativity, but also retention and recruitment, “with 80% of employees identifying it as a crucial factor in job evaluation".

Breaking Routine and Addressing Working-From-Home Fatigue

4. Offer the Space for Knowledge Sharing

There is no shortage of talent and skills within your organization that are just waiting to be passed on. Encouraging your employees to share what they know and what they can do with other coworkers fosters a culture of collaboration which helps spark creativity and allows teams to overcome challenges through creative solutions. This can be done through lunch-and-learns or special classes taught over video or in small groups. Sessions can include Excel tips, LinkedIn profile best practices, and guided meditation/yoga.

Sessions are a great way for your team members to discover new interests or passions that they can master and apply in their roles or to help maintain their work-life balance. By providing a platform for your people to engage in knowledge exchanges, they’ll benefit from professional development in the forms of thought leadership, increased confidence, and increased creativity.

How to Build a Positive Remote Company Culture and Why it Matters

5. Encourage Employees to Practice Self-Reflection

Encourage employees to get in the habit of self-reflection check-ins. This exercise helps them to focus on what they’ve achieved, as well as what’s coming up next and helps inspire them to see things differently. Rise’s performance management feature includes weekly check-ins. Employees are prompted to rate their week, what went well, and what could’ve gone better. 

It’s a great way for managers to keep track of how an employee is doing, while also giving the employee a chance to reflect on their work. If possible, also share monthly or quarterly accomplishments with your team so they can see the concrete results of their contributions. 

6. Support Employees in Creative Risk-Taking

Cultivate an office culture that rewards creative risk-taking. One reason why employees are not thinking out of the box or proposing different solutions could be due to a fear of making mistakes and not having their ideas supported. As much as possible, make it clear to your employees that your organization values creativity—and understands its importance. 

This can be communicated by being receptive to new ideas and recognizing risk-takers for the impact they've made. As well, be open to feedback and suggestions from your employees. Provide an open door policy or offer an anonymous outlet for anyone who wishes to share their thoughts privately.

How to Create an Effective Open Door Policy at Work

7. Encourage Healthy Competition 

Healthy competition in the workplace can be encouraged through various means, fostering innovation and creativity. Business owners can initiate challenges that stimulate employees' innovation skills and encourage the flow of ideas. By promoting a culture that embraces risk-taking and learning from failure, employees feel empowered to explore innovative solutions to challenges.  Through fostering a competitive edge, teams strive to outperform each other, driving them to push boundaries and generate novel ideas. 

Discover How to Encourage a Healthy and Creative Working Environment 

Rise's people management platform fosters a positive working environment by prioritizing employee engagement and satisfaction. With features like seamless onboarding, performance tracking, and feedback mechanisms, it promotes transparency and communication.

By streamlining HR processes and empowering employees, Rise cultivates a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth. This creates a supportive atmosphere where individuals thrive, leading to a happier and more productive workforce.

The post 7 Ways to Inspire Creativity in the Workplace and Why it’s Important appeared first on Rise.

From stress management initiatives to physical health programs, the discussion encompasses diverse approaches that center on enhancing both mental and physical wellness. Below, we take a look at how forward-thinking employers integrate employee wellness programs into their organizational fabric, cultivating positive behaviours and fostering a supportive work environment. 

Why is Employee Wellness Important in The Workplace?

Employee wellness is integral to a flourishing workplace, positively impacting productivity, satisfaction, and overall organizational success. Instituting a comprehensive wellness program demonstrates a commitment to the health and happiness of the workforce, creating a win-win scenario for both employers and employees.

Here are some key reasons why you should prioritize occupational wellness:

• Positive Work Culture: Your employees are at the heart of your business and therefore greatly inform the creation of a positive or negative workplace culture. By implementing wellness programs, employee satisfaction increases, which subsequently creates a positive atmosphere in the workplace.
• Job Satisfaction and Employee Engagement: Employees who feel their well-being is prioritized are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. This satisfaction fosters higher levels of engagement and enjoyment.
• Risk Reduction: When employers prioritize the health and wellness of their employees, they are making a statement on their dedication to workplace safety and risk reduction. This ensures employees feel supported and valued in the workplace.
• Mental Health Support: As workplace stress becomes increasingly prevalent, offering mental health support through wellness programs is crucial. Prioritizing mental well-being contributes to employee satisfaction and mitigates issues related to stress and burnout.
• Creating a Healthy Work Environment: A comprehensive wellness program promotes a healthier work environment, encouraging employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. This, in turn, fosters a collective commitment to well-being, creating a culture of health within the organization.
• Improved Levels of Employee Satisfaction: When employees see that their employer cares about their well-being, overall job satisfaction tends to rise. This positive sentiment contributes to a healthier and more satisfied workforce.
  Common Goal and Social Wellness: Wellness programs often create a common goal for the workforce, fostering a sense of unity and social wellness. Shared wellness activities build camaraderie, improving workplace relationships and morale.

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What Components Should a Comprehensive Workplace Wellness Program Include?

• Physical Wellness: Encourage regular physical activity through fitness classes or gym access to improve overall health and fitness levels.
  
• Mental Health Support: Provide access to mental health resources, counseling, and stress management workshops to support employees' emotional well-being.
  
• Preventive Health Programs: Promote vaccinations to prevent the spread of illnesses and protect employees' health.
  
• Health Education: Offer information and support for healthy eating habits, including access to nutritious snacks and balanced meals.
  
• Work-Life Balance: Support a healthy work-life balance through flexible schedules and policies to reduce burnout and improve overall job satisfaction.
  

10 Workplace Wellness Programs and Strategies that Emphasize Employee Wellbeing

1. Regular Check-ins

Establishing regular check-ins is an essential strategy to proactively assess and enhance employee well-being. Utilizing employee engagement surveys during these check-ins ensures continuous feedback loops. This feedback mechanism not only aids in identifying potential issues but also reinforces a culture of open communication and support. Regular check-ins, such as the ones facilitated by Rise People’s platform, serve as a valuable tool in gauging job satisfaction, addressing concerns promptly, and fostering a sense of belonging within the organization.

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2. Flexible Work Schedules

Offering flexible working hours is a key aspect of a wellness strategy that caters to the diverse needs of the workforce. Periodic surveys enable companies to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of flexible schedules on employee productivity and satisfaction. This approach acknowledges the importance of work/life balance and empowers employees to manage their responsibilities effectively, resulting in increased engagement and a more harmonious workplace environment. Rise People makes organizing flexible schedules easier than ever with its seamless online platform that allows employees to request time off!

3. Smoking Cessation Programs

Introducing smoking cessation programs is a proactive measure to tackle poor health behaviors in the workplace. Providing comprehensive support and incentives for employees participating in these programs not only contributes to a healthier workforce but also reduces health-related costs. By promoting a smoke-free environment and offering assistance in breaking the habit, organizations demonstrate a commitment to employees' well-being, positively impacting both physical and mental health.

4. Financial Wellness Programs

Developing robust financial wellness programs addresses employees' financial stress. By offering resources, workshops, and planning tools for retirement and financial management, companies empower their workforce to make informed decisions. A comprehensive approach to financial well-being supports employees in navigating challenges, reduces financial stress-related absenteeism, and promotes a stable and secure work environment, aligning personal financial goals with overall job satisfaction.

5. On-site Fitness Center

Establishing on-site fitness centers is a tangible way to promote physical activity among employees. Encouraging utilization through incentive programs enhances participation and underscores the organization's commitment to health. Access to on-site fitness facilities not only improves physical well-being but also boosts morale and camaraderie among employees. This initiative reflects a holistic approach to employee wellness, creating a positive workplace culture centered around health and vitality.

6. Health Screenings

Conducting regular health screenings and biometric assessments is crucial for assessing and managing employee health. Providing information on health risk assessments helps in tailoring personalized wellness plans. This proactive approach not only identifies potential health issues but also enables organizations to implement targeted interventions, reducing healthcare costs, and fostering a culture of preventive health measures within the workplace.

7. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Implementing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) is a strategic move to support employees' emotional well-being. Offering counseling services and mentorship programs as part of EAPs ensures a comprehensive approach to mental health support. Periodic surveys help in evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, creating a supportive environment that addresses emotional challenges and enhances overall job satisfaction and productivity.

8. Team-Building Activities

Organizing team-building activities is instrumental in fostering social well-being among employees. Including physical exercises or wellness challenges in these events integrates health-conscious practices into the workplace culture. Such activities not only strengthen team bonds but also promote a shared commitment to well-being. Periodic surveys gauge the effectiveness of these initiatives, ensuring that team-building events contribute positively to both the social fabric and overall job satisfaction within the organization.

9. Commuting Initiative

Establishing a workplace commuting initiative significantly enhances employee wellness by addressing the physical and mental toll of commuting. By incentivizing alternative transportation methods or offering flexible schedules, organizations reduce the stress associated with daily commutes. 

This not only contributes to improved mental well-being but also encourages physical activity, reducing sedentary behavior. A thoughtful commuting initiative demonstrates a commitment to work/life balance, positively impacting job satisfaction and overall health. Additionally, it aligns with environmental sustainability, reinforcing a company's responsibility towards both employee and community well-being.

10. Healthy Food

Implementing healthy food at work is pivotal for enhancing employee wellness. By offering nutritious food options in the workplace, organizations positively impact both physical health and mental well-being. A well-balanced diet fosters sustained energy levels, cognitive function, and overall vitality. This initiative not only contributes to reducing health-related issues but also creates a supportive environment, reinforcing a culture of well-being and mindfulness. Healthy food choices align with holistic employee wellness, promoting a positive and energetic workplace.

8 wellness activities to incorporate into your corporate health program

How Can Employers Encourage Employee Participation in Wellness Programs?

Employers can encourage participation through effective communication, showcasing the benefits of wellness programs. Offering incentives, such as rewards or recognition, increases motivation. Providing flexible scheduling to accommodate wellness activities, like fitness classes, ensures accessibility. Tailoring programs to individual needs, conducting surveys to gather preferences, and fostering a culture that values well-being contribute to higher employee engagement in workplace wellness initiatives.

Ensure Employee Wellness 

Rise People’s innovative platform revolutionizes people management, simplifying the complexities of workplace administration and fostering a conducive environment for enhanced employee wellness. With intuitive tools for HR tasks, payroll, and benefits management, Rise People streamlines processes, reducing administrative burdens.

This efficiency translates to smoother workplace operations, allowing organizations to prioritize employee well-being initiatives. By automating routine tasks, Rise People empowers HR teams to focus on strategic wellness programs, ultimately creating a more productive and harmonious work environment.

The post 10 Examples of Health and Wellness Programs in the Workplace appeared first on Rise.

There’s a tendency for holiday celebrations in the workplace to be very Christmas-centered, but as Human Resources Director Canada writes, there are many “additional holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Ramadan's festival of gift-giving (Muslims), Hanukkah (Jewish), Kwanzaa (African-Americans) and Pancha Ganapati (Hindu) [that] may also be celebrated in December, depending on the lunar calendar”.

Forbes writes that while some people “may bemoan the fact that everything is labeled a holiday celebration vs. simply saying Christmas… others are highly aware that their holiday traditions are completely absent from representation and most likely not welcome in the conversation”.

Year-end celebrations in the workplace are to show appreciation for employees, so employers should aim to host inclusive holiday celebrations, no matter what employees celebrate—or don’t celebrate—in the month of December. As SHRM puts it, “if employees are worried about hiding an essential element of who they are, such as their deeply held religious beliefs”, they won’t feel safe to be themselves at work, let alone celebrate with their colleagues.

The fall and winter seasons can be an emotional time for people and the way that employers handle the holidays can have implications on the employee experience throughout the entire year. Experts note that “if even just a small number of employees feel excluded, it can have a negative impact on an organization’s engagement and productivity”. 

In Canada, there are no restrictions preventing any religious celebrations in the workplace.

Although not everyone likes to share their religious beliefs in the workplace, it’s likely that most employers will have a general idea of how their employees celebrate. If in doubt, ask. Employees don’t have to share anything if they don’t want to share, of course, but asking if there are any practices they would like to incorporate into holiday work events can be a great way to ensure holiday celebration inclusivity. 

Human Resources Director Canada writes that employers should “involve employees in the planning of holiday events and decorating, ask them how they prefer to celebrate, and encourage them to share their holiday traditions if they feel comfortable doing so. Holiday decorations and celebrations should seek to educate, not discriminate”.

Human Resources Director Canada continues to say that employers should invite employees to “celebrate the ‘holidays’ with a focus on shared values such as joy, hope, peace, giving, and the importance of family & friends”. 

Here are some ways that you can create more inclusive holiday celebrations:

• Use a diverse party planning committee, made up of people from different backgrounds and religions to ensure that your organization plans a celebration that is truly representative of all of your employees. It’s also important to remember that not everyone of the same faith chooses to celebrate in the same way. 
• Language matters. Say non-denominational holiday greetings such as “happy holidays” or, if everyone is comfortable, use ones that are specific to an individual's own beliefs. 
• If you’re putting up decorations, either keep them non-denominational or be sure to include every religion. As an example, red and green are colours typically associated with Christmas, whereas blue and white are traditionally used for Hanukkah celebrations. 
• Consider hosting a multicultural potluck where coworkers bring in a variety of ethnic dishes. Alternatively, if your workplace is still working predominantly remote, you can compile employee recipes in a shareable holiday cookbook. 
• If you’re opting for in-person celebrations, offer options that suit all diets and lifestyles, such as non-alcoholic drinks and vegetarian/vegan food. 
• Avoid scheduling holiday celebrations on any days that people might be celebrating personally. Diversity Resources has compiled a list of different religious holidays and celebrations in the fall and winter. The list can be found here.
• If you plan on serving alcohol, consider having the party in stages where the second part includes alcohol and the first doesn’t, so that those who want to attend but are potentially uncomfortable with drinking are able to leave before the alcohol comes out.

Make attendance and participation optional, and actually mean it.

• Ensure that everyone in leadership understands the event is optional and that employees are not required to participate. Many people prefer not to celebrate at work for various reasons and they shouldn’t have to explain or face potential repercussions because of it.  
• Consider hosting the party in the new year. This is a way to acknowledge the passing of time and celebrate employees, without it being tied to any one specific holiday. 

Hosting inclusive holiday celebrations is a great way to show employees that you care about them on a personal level and appreciate all their hard work. We wish you happy holidays and even happier employee celebrations. 

The post How inclusive holiday celebrations in the workplace are bigger than ‘the season’ appeared first on Rise.

Whether your workplace was previously exclusively remote, or you transitioned to a hybrid model because of COVID, it's important to set your employees up for success. 

If you had a previous work-from-home (WFH) policy, where most of your workforce could choose to work from home and likely already had an at-home office setup, your employees might have experienced a smoother transition. 

However, many employees still struggle with staying focused and maintaining work-life balance in a work environment that’s also their home. Here are some tips for employees to stay productive while working from home.

1. Start each workday in the same way 

Our brains are wired for routine. Start each workday off in the same way: set your alarm clock at the same hour, have breakfast (if you usually do) and check your work email to begin your day—in short, create a morning routine that allows you to ease into your day, even though you aren't heading out the door. These are all cues that your brain needs to shift into work mode. 

2. Change into work clothes 

Pyjamas are comfy but if you want to feel like you’re ready for the office, then you have to get ready for the office. You don’t necessarily have to dress up entirely but even changing into anything but PJs can help you feel prepared and ready for the workday ahead. Many brands leaned into functional fashion during COVID, with comfortable clothing that can be dressed up or down depending on the setting. Think comfy sweaters and joggers for a slightly elevated, but cozy, look.

3. Create a dedicated office space in your home 

If you don’t have a dedicated home office (which many people don’t), it’s important to create one. Even if it’s half of your dining table or a comfy chair, having a designated office space in your home helps you get into the “office” mindset in the same way that sitting at your desk back at the office used to do. For employers, consider offering employees a stipend to help set up their home office.

4. Make daily and weekly to-do lists 

Keep on top of your tasks with detailed to-do lists. Take 5-15 minutes at the start of each workday to write down what you’d like to accomplish for the day. Also write down which tasks need to be completed by the end of the week. Cross off each finished task as you go to give yourself some quick wins and get energized for the next task. 

5. Stand up and stretch at set intervals 

Refresh your brain and your body by taking short stretching breaks. A good recommendation is to stand and stretch for one minute at the end of each hour. You might need to set reminders on your calendar at every hour until you get the hang of it but it’ll soon become second nature to stand up and stretch. 

6. Coordinate schedules with your housemates 

Chances are you’re sharing your home with at least another working professional—who might also need to join video check-ins or meetings once in a while. If possible, share your weekly schedules and try to coordinate any video conferencing to avoid overlap or one of you having to find a different workspace. 

7. Do your lunch meal prep the night before 

You might think that since your kitchen is right there, you can prep your lunch during lunchtime. However, it might take longer than you think (causing you to rush through your actual lunch) or you might end up relying too much on quick-to-cook unhealthy food. Instead, prep your lunch the night before, as you’d do if you were going into the office. 

8. Keep in touch with your coworkers 

Start off your morning by greeting your team, either through email or a communication tool like Slack. Ask how their evening was or if they have any weekend plans, the same questions you’d ask if you were making small talk in the office. Also let your team know if you’re going to be away from your desk for longer periods of time or if you need to be head-down and on ‘do not disturb’ to tackle a deadline. 

9. Limit distractions and remove temptations 

Contrary to popular opinion, you might find it easier to lose focus when you’re by yourself than when you’re surrounded by colleagues. You could find yourself tempted to scroll through your Instagram feed or send off a quick tweet. If you have a smartphone, put it away while you’re working and consider signing out of your social media accounts on your browser. By limiting social media distractions, you’re able to stay productive while working from home. 

10. Set a timer for the end of the workday

When you’re in the zone and away from cues such as coworkers leaving for the day, it’s easy to lose track of time. Prevent burnout and fatigue by setting a timer for when you’re due to finish your workday. If needed, you can extend the timer for urgent deadlines or if you took extra breaks during the day.

The post 10 tips for staying productive while working from home appeared first on Rise.

Over the past several years, many headlines have claimed that ‘AI is going to revolutionize the way we do business’. Conversely, many others have claimed that AI involves risks to an organization that most may be unwilling to take. 

Cautiously approaching the benefits of AI in the workplace is seemingly the way forward for the majority of organizations. 

AI is generally useful for improving processes in the workplace. 

LinkedIn writes that AI can take repetitive and time-consuming tasks off of employee’s plates and allow them to focus more on strategic and meaningful work. AI can also be used to pull and examine data, allowing for greater efficiency. 

Programs like OpenAI’s ChatGPT can be great tools for researching and creating first drafts or outlines of projects. However, as far as generative AI being a replacement for human employees, many experts advise leaders to proceed with caution. With how rapidly the programming has expanded in capabilities, the full scope of what AI means for businesses isn’t clear yet. 

The Harvard Business Review explains that “it isn’t enough for an AI system to perform a task; the output has to be proven trustworthy, integrated into existing workstreams, and managed for compliance, risk, and regulatory issues”. They go on to say that “historically, AI cycles through phases that involve breakthroughs, surges of funding and fleeting moments of mainstream interest, followed by missed expectations and funding clawbacks”. 

However, as mentioned, there are numerous benefits to AI in the workplace:

• AI can enable organizations to focus more on their customers and gain better customer understanding through data. HubSpot writes that “research found a whopping 63% of business professionals feel that AI already helps their employees understand their customers better".
• AI can offer cost savings by automating certain tasks and creating more efficiency. 
• AI can improve data analysis and, therefore, lead to better decision-making. Using algorithms, AI can do data analysis that would take a human analyst hours or even days, with the potential for errors or misinterpretation, in minutes or even seconds.

AI can also play a significant role in every part of the employee journey, from recruiting and hiring, to onboarding, examining employee data, and beyond. 

The argument that the Harvard Business Review makes is that organizations need to evolve with AI in order to experience the benefits of AI in the workplace. 

With AI continuing to rapidly change, organizations should be willing to change and grow as the uses of AI for businesses develop.

The post AI and you: The benefits of AI in the workplace appeared first on Rise.

Gallup’s 2023 State of the Workplace report focuses a great deal on the concept of quiet quitting, which is described by Gallup as “what happens when someone psychologically disengages from work”. With nearly 60% of employees falling into this category, “low engagement costs the global economy $8.8 trillion dollars, or 9% of global GDP”.

Despite the potential costs of quiet quitters, Gallup finds that they can actually be valuable resources for your organization. From their survey, 85% of quiet quitters said that they would change their engagement or culture (41%), pay and benefits (28%), and/or wellbeing (16%) in the workplace. This data provides insight into what organizations can focus on as they work to improve employee engagement. 

Engagement or culture

As we always say at Rise, happiness at work isn’t the cause of employee engagement. It’s the result. Employee engagement plays such a critical role in organizational success and overall company culture. 

From Gallup’s survey, employees mention things like respect, recognition, and autonomy as metrics for better engagement and culture at work. Employees also cite opportunities to learn and grow, with the caveat that there should be equal opportunities across the organization. 

These are factors that are listed continuously when discussing the causes of employee disengagement, so it makes sense that they’re among the top things that quiet quitters would like to see their organizations improve. 

Pay and benefits

When it comes to pay and benefits, Gallup finds that employees want things such as higher salaries, subsidies for things like gas and other transportation costs, as well as proportional rewards for organizational success. 

Of course, improving pay and benefits doesn’t feel like a “secret” to improving employee engagement, but the degree to which employees—and specifically quiet quitters—are interested in better pay and benefits may be surprising to some. With 28% of respondents saying that better pay and benefits was what they wanted to see improved and 41% said engagement and culture, it’s evident that while pay and benefits are important, they’re not actually the most important factors to increasing retention and engagement. 

Wellbeing 

When it comes to wellbeing, Gallup found that employees consider things like longer and more frequent breaks, better work life balance, as well as improved communication as integral to improving the workplace. 

Wellbeing and work-life balance have become increasingly important since the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees want their employers to be more flexible and offer better support so that they’re able to work more effectively. 

Quiet quitters can be re-engaged with the right leadership. 

Quiet quitting has been used as a sort of fad term to scare employers about increasing levels of disengagement. However, as Gallup describes, it’s more of a psychological disengagement. Employees are setting firmer boundaries around their work-life balance and are no longer willing to do work above and beyond their job descriptions. If you want highly engaged employees, quiet quitters can be a great resource for determining what needs to improve in your workplace. 

In fact, in their report, Gallup describes quiet quitters as “your organization’s low-hanging fruit for productivity gains,” saying that if they’re coached properly, these employees can be inspired and motivated to thrive at work. 

Here are some of the ways that you can inspire and engage your employees:

• Create concrete ways to recognize employees for their hard work and achievements. Whether it’s through employee-to-employee recognition, one-on-one manager and employee recognition, or formally through organizational awards, engaged employees want to know that their work matters. 
• Instill a culture of growth. Employees should have many opportunities for learning and development, both at the individual level and as a whole. Your organization should also have clear pathways for growth and advancement, with regular conversations about how employees can achieve goals and advance in their careers.
• Offer autonomy and flexibility. Engaged employees are empowered employees. Offering employees a certain level of flexibility and autonomy to prioritize tasks and choose projects based on their interests will go a long way in increasing engagement. The Harvard Business Review has found that “when managers exhibited high levels of confidence and trust in their reports, those employees were 88% more likely to experience high levels of engagement”.
• Check-in regularly. Frequent check-ins are a great way to track employee engagement and wellbeing. Managers should check-in with their employees 1:1 consistently, but employers should also facilitate regular opportunities for employees to give and receive feedback. Things like annual performance reviews and engagement surveys are a great way to keep employees engaged.

The post Are quiet quitters holding the secret to improving your company culture? appeared first on Rise.

Companies could all be better about focusing on their people's personal health and wellness. When employees are healthy, not only do they feel better, but they're also more productive and more likely to take fewer sick days. A healthy workforce leads to a healthy business. One way to do that? A workplace wellness challenge. 

A workplace wellness challenge is a great way to encourage healthy habits amongst employees. The idea is to gamify health challenges and incentivize team members to stick to their health and wellness goals. 

Challenges can take many forms depending on which area of health your team members are most committed to improving. Don’t limit yourself to physical health and diet, either. Mental health and financial health can also go a long way toward making employees feel good.

We’ve compiled a list of 16 workplace wellness challenge ideas to get you started.

1. Walk or bike to work

This challenge invites team members to forego driving to work in favour of walking or biking. Ask employees to walk or bike one day per week for six weeks. Not only is walking or biking better for the environment, but it’s also a great way to get moving and stay fit. For this challenge, reward team members by giving every employee who walks or bikes a small incentive for each day they do it, and upon completion of the challenge, give gift cards for a local athletic outfitter.

If many of your employees commute from a distance that is will not be feasible for them to walk or bike, you can also encourage carpooling. While this isn't necessarily a health benefit for them, it is better for the planet. If your team is hybrid or remote, you can suggest tracking steps as an alternative, as listed in #9.

2. Take the stairs

This is an obvious choice if you work on the fifth floor or below. But for those of you on the 30th floor, this one could be a little more challenging. Invite employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator every day for 30 days. Keep a chart at the top of the stairs where participants can put a checkmark next to their name for every day they take the stairs. For team members who take the stairs every day, reward them with a healthy catered lunch.

3. Pack your lunch

Eating out is not only more expensive than making meals at home, but it can also be costly to your health. Restaurants tend to use more salt and sugar when cooking, and it can be hard to find healthy choices on the average menu. Challenge team members to pack their own lunches instead of eating out. Let them choose the number of purchased meals they’d like to replace with homemade ones, but a realistic suggestion is four days per week. That leaves one lunch open for “cheat days” or lunch meetings.

For a further incentive, reward employees who stick to their healthy eating goals with a gift card at the local organic grocer.

4. Drink more water

We all know drinking enough water is important, but sometimes it’s hard to make a habit of hydration. As an employer, you can help your team members by making sure access to clean water is available throughout your office and hosting a water-drinking challenge. Invite employees to track how much water they drink in a day, and reward those who meet or exceed the recommended intake 8 glasses of water a day. Alternatively, ask employees to replace one glass of juice or pop per day with a glass of water.

An obvious reward for this challenge is a nice reusable water bottle—although you may want to give it away in the beginning so team members have something to drink out of.

5. Workout challenge

Exercise is an important part of any healthy lifestyle. But with busy schedules and balancing family needs with hobbies and work, it can be hard to find time to hit the gym. Make sure you give employees the time they need to exercise, even if that means offering a more flexible schedule. You can also offer subsidized fitness passes or invite personal trainers and coaches to the office to create workouts for employees.

Ask employees to create their own personal goals related to cardiovascular health, flexibility, strength training, or overall wellness. Inviting them to choose their own goals—and rewards—can create a sense of ownership. And rather than creating a culture of competition, make it a "buddy system": link up those team members with similar personal goals, and invite them to challenge and support each other every step of the way.

6. Daily meditation

Mental wellness is an important part of an employee’s overall health, and meditation is a great way to foster brain—and body—health. Some employers offer in-office meditation classes, quiet rooms, yoga passes, or free memberships to meditation centres in their city.

Try challenging employees to incorporate meditation into their healthy lifestyle by offering lunchtime yoga classes. There are also a variety of meditation apps that can help team members get started in their own free time. Check out apps like Headspace and Calm to get started.

7. Join a sport

Intramural soccer, a badminton league, or swimming at the local pool—there are many affordable ways to join sports in almost every city in Canada. Your company’s wellness challenge could be to encourage employees to create sports teams or join existing ones. Your business could even “sponsor” the teams by getting them jerseys with your logo on them.

Sports are not only a fantastic way to get exercise, but they are also a great opportunity for cross-departmental communication and relationship-building.

8. Start a hobby

According to Psychology Today, having a hobby reduces stress, fosters social connection, and makes you more efficient at managing your time. So even if your wellness challenge isn’t about diet and exercise, encouraging employees to cultivate new hobbies could have just as much of a positive effect on their wellness.

Ask employees to challenge themselves to start that hobby they’ve always thought about, like picking up an instrument or taking an art class. You can incentivize them by helping to subsidize the cost, or connecting them with other people who work in your organization who might have a similar hobby and getting them to challenge each other.

9. 10,000 steps challenge

The CDC recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week, which equates to about 30 minutes per day. At Fitbit, everyone starts off with a 10,000-step goal, and here’s why: It adds up to about five miles each day for most people, which includes about 30 minutes of daily exercise. The health benefits? “Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that 30 minutes of walking each day cut stroke risk by a minimum of 20%.”

Pedometers are relatively cheap to acquire. Try giving one to each employee, and rewarding all employees who get over 10,000 steps per day for a full month. The grand prize goes to the team member who accumulates the most steps. If you aren't able to provide pedometers, most smart phones also track steps if location is turned on. Encourage employees who don't have their own pedometers or smart watches to use their phones to keep track.

10. Smoking cessation

It's common knowledge that many health risks are associated with smoking. As one of the most addictive substances on the planet, cigarettes are a hard habit to shake. Aid those employees looking to quit smoking with a challenge. The reward for this one can be sizeable but broken up into constituent parts, because most people don’t quit cold turkey.

Reward employees who make it to one month, three months, six months, and one year without smoking with increasingly large rewards. For this challenge, make sure they have the resources they need and even invite them to bring their family members in on the challenge. For example, if someone’s spouse smokes, ask them to share in the challenge as well. We’re more likely to shake bad habits if we eliminate the impulses from our surroundings.

11. 5-kilometre run

There are a wide range of opportunities to sign up for 5K runs, especially when the weather is nice. Setting a fitness goal like running a given distance can help employees get motivated to train. You can even download a running app to track your progress. Reward employees who participate by planning a party to celebrate their successful run, and invite them to challenge their peers, both within and outside of the company.

12. Volunteering and community engagement

Volunteering is good for your health and for your community. According to a study, "adults over age 50 who volunteered on a regular basis were less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-volunteers.” The study also showed that adults who regularly volunteered had reduced stress levels and generally lived longer.

However, these results were only true if the volunteer’s intentions were truly altruistic. So, rather than offering incentives to employees who volunteer, just make sure you give those who are interested in philanthropy ample time and resources to do so. In fact, many companies will offer employees up to a week of paid time off as long as they use it to volunteer. Deloitte even offers unlimited paid time for volunteering.

And for those employees who are interested in both philanthropy and physical wellness? Reward them for giving back and getting fit by donating to a charity of their choice in their name. It's a win-win!

13. Sleep 7 hours

The consequences of not getting enough sleep are dire. According to a study by Harvard University, “in the short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect judgment, mood, ability to learn and retain information, and may increase the risk of serious accidents and injury. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation may lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality.”

In other words, make sure your employees are catching consistent Zs. If you want to challenge employees to sleep more, you could give them access to a sleep tracking app. Create a sleep challenge at work: can you get 7 hours of sleep a night (the optimum number of hours, according to the Sleep Foundation) for 24 days straight? Reward winners with a cool sleep-related prize like one of these gadgets.

14. Positivity challenge

This challenge is all about improving mental wellness. According to Forbes, “grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and they report feeling healthier than other people.”

Challenge employees to write down one thing every day that they are grateful for. They can share it with a colleague or keep it private. The positive feelings from participating in this challenge are reward enough, but you could further incentivize participants with some gratitude of your own. After 30 days of gratitude, reward those who have consistently kept up with their gratitude tracking by offering them a “gratitude day”—a paid day off to show gratitude to themselves and their loved ones.

15. Financial wellness

Personal finances are one of the top ten causes of stress. Challenge employees to reduce their financial stress by giving them the resources they need to make sure they’re on top of their financial wellness. Consider rewarding those employees who actively make use of the resources—whether it’s access to a financial planner, investment courses, or savings plans—with cash bonuses.

You can also invite employees to create personal financial goals, and then reward them for their progress. For example, if an employee is saving for a house or struggling to pay off student loans, offer to match a certain percentage of their own efforts to help them reach their goals faster.

If you're unable to provide rewards to your employees, providing them with resources to take control of their financial health is still a great place to start.

16. Benefits challenge

Some believe that encouraging your employees to use their benefits costs your business in the long run. Many companies still believe this outdated myth. In reality, encouraging your employees to make use of their extended benefits—especially when they’re being proactive with their health like with massage therapy and diet consultations—may make your premiums go up in the short term, but it saves you in the long run by making your employees healthier, more productive, and less likely to miss work for health reasons.

With that in mind, challenge employees to make use of their extended benefits. Reward employees who use their monthly massage allowance, or who visit an acupuncturist or wellness coach. You could even theme certain months to correspond with the benefits you offer. During “Oral Health Month,” reward employees who book and attend dental appointments. Same goes for “Vision Month,” “Muscle Month,” and so on. You can get creative with it, and even reach out to local wellness practitioners to set up a partnership, working with them to reward employees with additional services.

There you have it, 16 of our favourite workplace wellness challenge ideas.

Remember, health and wellness are personal pursuits. Regularly check in with your employees to make sure they have the resources they need. Invite them to create their own wellness challenges, and to stick to their personal goals. Rather than making them participate in the wellness challenges your company implements, try incorporating wellness initiatives into your discussions around professional development, and support them in whatever way you can.

Healthy employees, after all, make for a healthy business.

The post 16 workplace wellness challenge ideas to try at the office appeared first on Rise.

Rise recently unveiled more than 30 improvements across the entire platform, from big features like our new Xero integration to smaller updates like the ability to unapprove pay runs. 

The improvements were inspired by feedback that we received from clients. We’ve had a lot of growth in the last few years and it was important for us to now focus on making our current features the best they could be. Our goal is not just to be a functional people management solution; our goal is to be the best people management solution.

This got us thinking about how so much of what we do at Rise for workplaces can be mirrored within workplaces—in particular, the idea of making small improvements that can have a big impact. Here are some ideas for small improvements in the workplace that you can implement at your organization. 

Employee engagement surveys are a great way to check the pulse of your organization. 

Completing regular, anonymous employee engagement surveys is one of the simplest ways to begin making improvements in the workplace. Send out a survey to employees to gauge how they feel about policies, procedures, leadership, workload distribution, career progression, benefits, etc., and use that data to inform further decision-making. 

Doing an employee survey is by itself a small step towards improvement, as it demonstrates to your team that you value their honest feedback. However, the real work is in dissecting and implementing the feedback. Make action plans based on your survey results and be sure to inform your employees of the steps you’re taking to make improvements in the workplace. 

Better communication is integral to organizational success. 

Another simple way to make improvements in the workplace is by focusing on better communication. This includes all types of communication: 1:1 meetings, top down syncs, team discussions, etc.. Effective communication is key to building strong relationships between team members, departments, and management. Communication helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. When communication is poor, misunderstandings happen—potentially leading to delays, mistakes, and even conflicts. It’s essential to establish clear and open lines of communication throughout the organization.

When team members are able to communicate effectively, they can collaborate more efficiently and make better decisions. This can help to streamline processes, reduce errors, and ultimately improve the quality of work produced. Additionally, effective communication can help to increase trust and morale. When team members feel that they’re being heard and valued, they’re more likely to be engaged and motivated to work towards organizational goals.

Employee recognition programs can lead to many improvements in the workplace. 

Employee recognition programs can have a transformative impact on the workplace, leading to numerous improvements across various aspects of the organization. When employees are recognized for their contributions, achievements, and hard work, it can boost morale and motivation. Research shows that “when employees believe they will be recognized, they are 2.7x more likely to be highly engaged”.

Additionally, employee recognition programs enhance employee retention and loyalty. Recognizing and appreciating employees' efforts demonstrates that their work is valued, creating a sense of belonging and loyalty towards the organization and reducing turnover rates. In fact, studies show that one of the top reasons that employees leave their job is because of a lack of recognition. Employees who feel recognized are more likely to stay with the company long-term, saving you the high costs associated with recruiting and onboarding a replacement.

At Rise, we have an employee recognition shortcut built into our Slack. Employees are able to give each other shoutouts in our water cooler channel for everyone to see. It’s a great way to acknowledge one another for things that may otherwise go unnoticed. The shoutouts are then shared at our monthly all-hands meetings. 

Whether your organization is making big or small improvements in the workplace, your employees will appreciate any effort towards making your organization a better place to work. 

Wondering what Rise has been up to? Click here to read about our platform improvements that we made with you in mind.

The post The value of small improvements in the workplace appeared first on Rise.