In our post-pandemic world, community is more important than ever. After spending the better part of two years apart, people are ready to be together again – to work together and play together.
Why is it essential to build community in the workplace? Because building a strong community makes a significant difference in an organization’s ability to succeed.
Building community allows all organizational stakeholders to feel valued as part of the team. When employees are invested in the group, they find ways to work together more effectively because they feel secure in their individual roles. A thriving workplace community fosters trust, respect, empathy, and cooperation.
Ways to build community
- Streamline communications
Finding the ideal way to communicate internally can help employees feel more connected to the organization. If you’re looking to add more ways to connect with employees, consider using tools like newsletters, blogs, v-casts, and meet and greets. It’s worth looking at your current processes to evaluate which communications work and which don’t.
- Incorporate team building activities
Team-building activities have come a long way in the last decade and can include as structured activities – things like escape rooms and ninja obstacle courses provide great opportunities to work together. Company retreats can help employees connect in a less formal atmosphere. Happy hours are a great way to engage on short notice and with little cost. Service days serve dual purposes, both bringing employees together with a common goal and giving back to your larger community.
- Promote a healthy work-life balance
You can’t build a strong workplace community without paying close attention to your employees’ well-being. When front-line managers can provide their team with the opportunity to practice self-care, there will be a healthier work-life balance.
Using Lifestyle Spending Accounts
Offering Lifestyle Spending Accounts as part of your benefits package is the easiest way to demonstrate that you care for your employees’ overall well-being. These accounts help current employees remain happy and productive; they also help attract new talent to join your company.
How Lifestyle Spending Accounts benefit employees
Wellness plans offer employees a range of benefits and allow employers to customize these benefits to best fit their workforce. Some examples of the benefits provided via Lifestyle Spending Accounts include:
- Physical fitness: Includes stipends or discounts for gym memberships, home workout equipment, and other fitness-related items. By providing a physical outlet, you can help employees stay in good physical shape and decompress outside work, reducing stress levels.
- Nutritional counseling: Coaching to help your employees maintain a healthy, balanced diet, promoting overall well-being.
- Therapy and counseling: Benefits that allow employees to prioritize their mental health.
- Financial wellness: Benefits that help your employees manage their money, a significant source of stress for many Americans.
- Pet care: Allows employees to care for all members of their families.
- Continuing education: Helps your employees improve their skills and grow in their careers, benefiting both the employer and employee.
If you are not currently offering wellness benefits to your employees, you could be missing out on top talent in the marketplace while also limiting the engagement and productivity of your current team members.
If you are considering introducing wellness benefits, we’ll be happy to share what options you have through our Lifestyle Spending Accounts. Schedule a meeting with us today!
