Workplace wellbeing & inclusivity: an employer’s guide

In this guide, we outline ways employers can foster inclusivity and promote employee wellbeing.

Wellbeing

We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, making it essential that employers promote wellbeing to prevent negative impacts on employees’ personal lives.

Making wellbeing a priority

Wellbeing should be central to your strategy, workspace design, and leadership training. It requires open, honest discussions with employees and a commitment to follow through on promises. Regular check-ins help you stay informed on their needs and how you can support them.

Providing access to great facilities

You should ensure that your workplace allows employees to take breaks, relax, and socialise. They should be able to access clean, well-lit, well-decorated and well-equipped workspaces. Offering your team high-quality refreshments which they can access for free is the ideal place to start! Access to drinks like coffee, tea and fresh drinking water is something that can be easily included, but investing in high-quality facilities is a great way to show employees that you care. There are also many other benefits to providing high-quality coffee and other refreshments.

Educating and informing your team

By providing training and resources for your employees, you can enable them to advocate for their needs in the workplace and help them improve their well-being both in and outside of work. This can be done through events, workshops, leafleting and internal communications. Training for management is also vital. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) recommends “ongoing guidance and training [in order] to support their teams”. This enables open, respectful communication and proper signposting to take place. You can make use of your communal areas to display infographics, hold wellbeing workshops and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Stress management

Research has shown that stress can lead to major health issues. Employers should do everything they can to reduce the amount of stress their employees face. This can be achieved by encouraging teams to take regular breaks and providing them with a great space to unwind in, with refreshment and fresh air available. Something as simple as popping to grab a coffee with a colleague can help stop employees from getting overwhelmed by their work, and access to tasty, fresh coffee will encourage your teams to take regular breaks. An employee assistance program (EAP) that allows your teams to access therapy, counselling and advice free of charge has been shown to improve wellbeing at work. EAPs can be accessed through healthcare providers, and can make a huge difference for your employees.

Inclusivity

Employers in the UK are required to create an equal workplace. Promoting inclusivity in your workplace means making it somewhere where people feel comfortable and can achieve success no matter who they are. Regardless of things like disabilities, childcare/ caregiving responsibilities, race, gender or sexuality, employees should have equal opportunities, resources and support.

Taking meaningful action

To create a truly inclusive workplace, employers must avoid the pitfalls of tokenism and virtue signaling. To put it simply: put your money where your mouth is! As with promoting wellbeing, employers must be willing to enforce change, listen to and advocate for all their employees and take feedback. The Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) advises that “failing to take meaningful action can limit the positive impact of your goals for an inclusive work culture”. So, if you want to see your goals achieved you must champion inclusivity and put your team first. It is advised to prioritise accountability and encourage feedback from your employees. This will lead to improved trust, and close the gap between your intention and your impact.

Equity according to your team

Inclusivity goes beyond visible diversity. ACAS advises employers to engage employees in discussions about their specific needs, such as quiet spaces for neurodivergent employees or areas for prayer. Don’t assume needs – ask the right questions, such as:

“What can I do to help you feel more included?”

“Do you have any specific needs we can accommodate?”

“What would help you feel more comfortable at work?”

The CCL says that employers who are serious about inclusivity should “take time to understand the specific opportunities they have to support others within their unique culture and context”.

Investing in your people

You can enhance inclusivity by investing in your employees at all levels, regardless of perceived ability or “potential”. This means offering equal opportunities for professional development, for example, workshops and chances to represent the company at events. You can also create an environment that supports everyone’s unique needs. Investing in making your space open and accessible allows employees to tailor their workspace to suit their individual working styles, for example having a choice of places to work and having adjustable furniture, ensuring your team can perform at their best.

One often-overlooked way to further support inclusivity is by investing in workplace amenities that foster collaboration and comfort. For instance, providing high-quality office coffee machines that are available for everyone to use not only offers a small but meaningful perk, but also creates an informal space for employees to gather, collaborate, and take breaks together. This can contribute to a positive, inclusive workplace culture, where employees feel valued and supported in both their professional and personal needs.

Contact us

FreshGround can support your wellbeing and inclusivity goals by providing your office space with premium coffee machines, water stations and a range of other refreshment options. Our team can match you with the perfect facilities for your workspace, get in touch and find out how we can help.