Healthy Workplace Tips for the Transition Back Into the Office

Workforces across Australia are currently preparing to slowly make the transition back into the workplace. Although it remains unknown what working in-office will look like as the weeks roll on, we do know that a healthy workplace must be a top priority for all business leaders.

So how do we make it easier to stay healthy and engaged as we begin to physically enter workplaces once again?

Continue to communicate with your people
As a business leader, open communication with your staff should continue at all times. Send regular communications to returning workers so they are aware of the new safety measures and expectations in place and how to comply with them. Continue to review and present your current pandemic readiness plan to demonstrate to employees that their workplace is supporting their health and wellbeing.

Use outside resources to help you
Given we’re in unprecedented times, as a business owner/leader you are not expected to have all the answers. We suggest using incredible resources provided by organisations like Beyond Blue to get advice with developing a wellbeing plan to help adjust to your new working situation. Their trusted resources and support will help you to promote a healthy workplace focused on the wellbeing of your team. It’s essential to educate staff on how they can better their health and wellbeing as they return to the workplace.

Reduce stress by encouraging simple movement at desks
As we return to the workplace, it’s important to maintain our physical fitness, whether that is getting up and moving around several times a day or exercising at lunchtime. Without constant movement, the body stiffens and stops working optimally leaving room for brain fog, discomfort, and emotional stress. Encouraging staff to incorporate small movements into the workday promotes blood flow and circulation leading to greater productivity and happier staff.

Continue to offer flexible work hours
The changes to people’s working lives in the last few months has undoubtedly lead to an increase in emotional stress. The need for a flexible working environment to continue well beyond the lock-down is important. Allowing those who need to continue to work remotely or for shorter hours will generate happy, motivated workers. Those who are passionate about their job, are likely to be grateful for flexible working hours and may be more inclined to be more engaged.

Rebuild the workplace spirit
Successful businesses flourish on motivated workforces, so it’s important leaders invest efforts to rebuild workplace morale. Be sure to acknowledge any employee concerns and dispiritedness and treat announcements regarding the new working environment with sensitivity and understanding.

Create a space that’s light & fun
Given we’re regularly being blasted with bad news, why not play some soothing music through speakers around the office. Studies have historically revealed that music improves employees mood, which can help increase productivity and creativity in the workplace.