As Black Friday and Cyber Monday buzz with online deals and shopping frenzies, it's crucial to pause and reflect on the wellbeing of the workforce. In the digital age, where screens dominate our daily lives, employers can seize the momentum of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to invest in the mental health of their employees.
Brits plan to spend an estimated £3 billion in the 2023 Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, down 23% on 2022 spending. Given the vast amount of spending that is expected over the next few days, we'll explore innovative ways for employers to support mental health amidst the excitement of online sales.
Flexible Work Hours: Consider gifting employees the flexibility to manage their work hours on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Whether they want to take a longer lunch break to snag a deal or start and end their workday at unconventional hours, providing flexibility can alleviate stress and contribute to a healthier work-life balance.
Digital Detox Challenges: Encourage employees to step back from their screens for designated periods throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Create a company-wide digital detox challenge, where employees commit to reducing screen time during breaks. This break from constant digital stimulation can enhance focus and reduce the risk of burnout.
Mindfulness Breaks: Incorporate short mindfulness breaks into the workday. Provide resources for guided meditation sessions or encourage employees to step away from their desks for a few minutes to practice deep breathing exercises. These moments of mindfulness can have a positive impact on stress levels and overall mental wellbeing.
Express Gratitude: In the spirit of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, create a virtual gratitude board where employees can express appreciation for their colleagues. This simple act fosters a sense of connection and positivity within the workplace, contributing to a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Wellness Webinars: Leverage Black Friday and Cyber Monday to invest in the professional development of your employees' mental health. Host wellness webinars covering topics such as stress management, resilience building, and maintaining work-life balance. Providing access to expert advice and resources empowers employees to take control of their mental wellbeing.
Encourage Physical Activity: Counterbalance the sedentary nature of Black Friday and Cyber Monday by promoting physical activity. Encourage short breaks for stretching or brief walks, and consider providing employees with discounts or subscriptions to fitness apps or classes. Physical activity has proven benefits for mental health and can be seamlessly incorporated into the workday.
Promote Open Communication: Create an open dialogue about mental health. Remind employees that support is available and that it's okay to discuss mental health concerns. Consider organising virtual coffee chats or forums where employees can share their experiences and strategies for maintaining mental wellbeing during busy times.
Support Financial Wellbeing: Provide financial education and resources. Offering webinars or workshops on budgeting, saving, and smart spending can empower employees to make informed financial decisions during online sales events. Additionally, employers can consider implementing employee discount programs or partnering with financial wellness apps that offer exclusive deals or cashback opportunities.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Reinforce the availability of EAPs that provide counselling and mental health support. Online sales events can be overwhelming, and having resources readily available can make a significant impact on employees' wellbeing.
Management Training: Equipping line managers with the tools, strategies and understanding to be able to support employees who are struggling with their mental health due to financial concerns is an excellent way to sustain a positive culture that helps with staff morale, retention and engagement.
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday may traditionally be associated with shopping sprees and online deals, it's also an excellent opportunity for employers to demonstrate their commitment to the mental health of their workforce. By implementing some of the top ten tips during online sales, employers can create a workplace culture, prioritising and supporting employee mental health. In doing so, they not only contribute to a healthier workforce but also lay the foundation for increased productivity and overall job satisfaction.
Enhancing Minds offers training in Stress, Resilience, Sleep, Mindfulness, Menopause and High Performance Teams, all areas where mental health impacts the workplace.
For more information visit https://www.enhancingminds.co.uk/services
Enhancing Minds - wellbeing training for workplaces
Comments