Companies prioritize employee wellbeing through flexible work policies
ONTARIO, CANADA — As hybrid and remote work models become more commonplace, companies are focusing on employee wellbeing by providing flexible work arrangements, according to a trained mental health professional.
A 2023 Gallup study found that remote and hybrid workers experience higher stress and anger levels compared to onsite employees. However, these flexible employees also report higher engagement at work. This presents a challenge for organizations aiming to balance wellbeing and productivity.
Aimee Gindin, Chief Marketing Officer at LifeSpeak Inc., highlighted on the HRMorning podcast “Voices of HR,” the need to educate managers on mental health awareness and promote open communication within teams.
“Educating managers about signs of mental health (struggles), signs of burnout, signs of stress that might be beyond what’s normal, and opening up dialogues with their teams is so important,” Gindin said.
Her innovative approach uses a simple color-coded system for employees to express their personal states without divulging specifics, fostering a supportive environment.
“I start off every meeting where I ask everyone to share what color they are that day,” Gindin said.
“Are they red, are they yellow, or are they green? … If they have something really personal going on for them and they … don’t want anyone to know the details, they can just say … ‘I’m having a red week and I need a little bit more support.’
Gindin advocates maintaining flexible hybrid policies to accommodate diverse needs, from employees craving in-person interaction to those caring for dependents requiring adaptable hours.
To promote casual interactions and personal connections in a hybrid culture, LifeSpeak Inc. endorses creating a virtual space beyond work-related tasks, through dedicated social channels or sharing lighthearted moments. The goal is to appreciate employees holistically, recognizing their lives outside their professional roles.