For many people the concept of travelling to a set place of work and using static PC stations for a ‘9 to 5’ Monday to Friday ‘job for life’ is something they won’t be familiar with.

The extensive development of technology and the growing trend for remote working, flexible hours and shorter-term project or contract-based roles provides significant opportunities for both the employer and the employees. It also brings challenges around how to make sure those people are engaged and motivated. 

• Should employers be worrying about the wellbeing and inclusion of short-term workers?
• Do short-term workers need more or less support than long-term employees?
• How do you ensure everyone works together in a cohesive and productive way?

Most employers know that they have a duty of care for all employees regardless of contract type. Making employees feel valued and part of the team is crucial to improving productivity and recognising those who excel in their role regardless of the type of employment contract they are on can be rewarding for all.

Here are 5 simple tips you can consider to help increase the wellbeing of your employees:

1. Financial education tools and content to build foundation knowledge – simple jargon free content that is non-product or benefit specific. This will increase peoples’ awareness of how to improve their financial situation. Financial stress can take a huge toll on an employee’s ability to do their job.
2. Mental health awareness tools and content to support employee challenges. Spreading the message that it’s ok to not be ok and being an employer that understands that mental health can affect anyone will lead to a more open culture.
3. Video calling instead of phone call meetings. This allows the team to virtually ‘see’ each other which gives a different vibe to the meeting and allows participants to read reactions as if they were together in the same location. This helps to build the sense of a work community.
4. Regular contact with team leaders and managers. It’s important that employees feel a valued part of the team. Regular meetings will mean that employers are better able to spot any warning signs of stress due to workload or other life issues.
5. Sharing lessons learned and successes for all employees. This will reward good outcomes and promote an ethos of achieving together and rewarding good outcomes for all team contributors

Creating an open, honest and supportive environment for all employees is key to having a productive workforce where common goals are shared and successes rewarded as a team.

To hear more from Heidi, register for our DC and Financial Wellbeing Conference on Tuesday 28 April.