City thinking, local knowledge

Reduce Staff Turnover: Proven Strategies for Happy Loyal Employees

By Questa

Economic growth might be sluggish, but there’s hope that our nation’s wealth creators can boost output in the coming months. As a business owner, you’re likely pondering practical steps beyond ramping up marketing and delivering stellar customer service. Here’s a key focus area: looking after your staff’s mental health.

Prioritise Mental Health

The UK economy lost a staggering 17.1 million days last year to work-related stress, depression, and anxiety. Research by Unum UK highlights that only 49% of employees believe their employers are equipped to manage mental health issues. This is concerning, as 78% of respondents stated they would consider leaving their jobs due to excessive stress and lack of mental health support.

Only salary considerations ranked higher than mental health issues in factors driving employee turnover. Clearly, this is an issue employers can’t afford to ignore.

Invest in Wellness Programmes

So, what’s the solution? Employees value mental health support, with 57% saying robust health and wellness programmes could convince them to stay. This signals a clear call to action: investing in comprehensive mental health strategies can significantly reduce staff turnover.

Take Action for a Healthier Workforce

Liz Walker, Chief Operating Officer at Unum UK, expressed concern over these findings and urged bosses to act. “There’s still work to do for some employers, including introducing high-quality proactive measures to address and support workplace stress and overall mental health,” she said. Walker emphasised that creating positive, supportive, and inclusive working environments can improve employee retention and foster a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce.

The Workers Union echoed this sentiment, stating that addressing the mental health needs and pressures facing the modern workforce is essential not only for employee wellbeing but also for the health of the entire business sector.

Investing in your employees’ mental health might require some effort, but the results are clear: a happier, more productive, and loyal workforce leads to less disruption and a thriving business. This benefits not just your company but the wider economy too.

Practical Steps to Reduce Staff Turnover

  1. Conduct Regular Mental Health Check-ins: Schedule periodic one-on-one meetings to discuss employees’ mental health and offer support where needed.
  2. Provide Access to Professional Support: Offer services such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential counselling and support.
  3. Implement Wellness Programmes: Develop comprehensive wellness initiatives that include physical health, mental health, and work-life balance support.
  4. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their holidays, and maintain boundaries between work and personal time.
  5. Create a Positive Work Environment: Foster an inclusive and supportive culture where employees feel valued and heard.
  6. Offer Flexible Working Arrangements: Allow for flexible hours or remote working options to help employees manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
  7. Provide Training on Stress Management: Equip employees with tools and techniques to manage stress effectively.
  8. Recognise and Reward Effort: Acknowledge employees’ hard work and contributions to foster a sense of appreciation and motivation.

By prioritising these strategies, you can not only reduce staff turnover but also enhance the overall health and productivity of your workforce. This, in turn, leads to a more resilient and successful business.

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