In today’s fast-paced business world, achieving optimal productivity, customer engagement, and employee health is crucial for success. However, recent data reveals a concerning trend in the mind health of the UK workforce. According to the latest findings in the AXA Mind Health Study,
33% of employees are ‘languishing’
20% are ‘struggling’
29% are ‘getting by’
18% are ‘flourishing’
which means that over half of the UK workforce is not performing at its best.
This lack of engagement and motivation is holding businesses back and impeding growth. To address these challenges, it’s essential to adopt strategies that foster a supportive, motivating, and productive work environment. In this article, we’ll explore effective ways to boost productivity, increase customer engagement, and build a sustainable business, starting with improving employee well-being and morale.
Understanding the Problem: Employee Mind Heath
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what we mean by Mind Health. Often referred to as mental health (but without the connotations of illness) Mind Health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community.
Given that the research shows that 53% of the UK’s workforce aren’t in a positive state of mind health lets consider what “languishing” and “struggling” mean.
• Languishing employees are those who may not be actively experiencing burnout but feel disconnected, uninspired, or unmotivated at work
• Struggling employees, on the other hand, are those facing more significant challenges, such as high stress, poor mental health, or a lack of confidence in their abilities. These employees may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to meet expectations.
When employees are languishing or struggling, productivity decreases, customer service suffers, and overall business outcomes are impacted. As businesses continue to navigate complex and competitive environments, creating a workplace that promotes well-being, engagement, and motivation becomes a top priority.
AXA have a free to use tool that determines whether you are
This tool also includes a set of resources to help individuals improve their Mind Health covering:
• Life Satisfaction
• Improving Your Mood
• Quality Connections
• Feeling More In Control
• Taking Care of Yourself
• Financial Wellbeing
Mind also have an excellent range of support materials: www.mind.org.uk
Made in Britain member Kingfisher (Lubrication) Limited, recently celebrated the achievement of two of their team members completing their Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) training: https://www.madeinbritain.org/news/news-celebrating-sara-and-andy-kingfishers-new-mental-health-first-aiders-feb-25
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Let’s turn to the things that we can affect thought our direct actions at work to ensure employees perform at their best every day. Fundamentally this is about fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, creating a supportive workplace helps employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to do their best.
To create this environment, businesses can take the following steps:
1. Encourage Open Communication: Open, honest communication is the cornerstone of a healthy work environment. Encourage employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. When employees feel heard, they are more likely to feel engaged and committed to the organisation’s goals.
2. Provide Support and Recognition: Recognising employees for their efforts is essential in promoting a culture of motivation. Regularly acknowledging accomplishments, big or small, creates a sense of accomplishment and boosts morale.
3. Promote Well-being and Work-Life Balance: Mental and physical well-being play a vital role in productivity. Companies should provide resources to support mind health. A workforce that feels well-cared-for is more likely to be motivated and engaged.
4. Offer Growth and Development Opportunities: Employees who feel stagnant or uncertain are more likely to become disengaged. Offering CPD helps employees feel empowered and confident in their roles. It also increases employee retention.
5. Cultivate a Positive Culture: A positive workplace culture motivates employees to contribute their best work and strengthens team cohesion. Teams that support one another, celebrate successes, and work through challenges together are more productive and innovative.
Leveraging Technology for Better Productivity
The use of technology can be also be a game-changer in increasing productivity if used in the right ways. Technology and AI tools in particular can streamline workflows, improve communication, and reduce the time spent on mundane tasks unleashing employees time to focus on business improvement, innovation and sustainable growth.
Here are some ways technology can enhance productivity:
1. Project Management Tools: Platforms like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com (and the old favourite MS Project) enable teams to collaborate efficiently, set clear goals, and track progress. These tools help break down complex projects into manageable tasks and ensure that deadlines are met.
2. Automation and AI: I wrote a previous article on how we can use the latest AI tools for marketing and product managers. AI and automation tools can handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, scheduling, or responding to frequently asked questions seamlessly.
3. Employee Engagement Platforms: The are many tools that allow businesses to gather real-time feedback from employees, tracking employee engagement, satisfaction, and provide insights into areas for improvement.
Made in Britain member WinMan have created an HR module in their ERP system that provides structured and proactive support for employees. You can read about it here: https://www.madeinbritain.org/news/winman-menopause-mental-health-the-workplacewhy-hr-needs-to-step-up-feb-25
Overcoming the Challenge of Low Employee Engagement
Given the high percentage of employees who are languishing or struggling, businesses need take action.
Here are some additional strategies to improve engagement:
1. Encourage Autonomy: Empowering employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work boosts engagement. Employees who feel they have control over their tasks and outcomes are more motivated to perform at a high level.
2. Promote Social Connections: A sense of camaraderie and friendship among colleagues enhances employee engagement. Encourage social activities, team-building exercises, and casual interactions that help employees bond and feel connected.
Made in Britain member Stocksigns runs a Feel Good Friday and has implemented a Quarterly Volunteering Programme: https://www.madeinbritain.org/news/feel-good-friday-surrey-docks-farm
3. Set Clear Expectations and Goals: Employees need clear direction and purpose to stay motivated. Transparent expectations and regular check-ins provide employees with a sense of purpose and alignment with company objectives.
4. Invest in Leadership Development: Train managers to be supportive, empathetic, and communicative. Good leaders inspire trust, foster engagement, and provide guidance, helping employees perform at their best.
Much research has been carried out in the last few years around tools and approached to improving employee wellbeing. Consistently these reports shows that employee volunteering is one of the most effective programs businesses can employ. The Boston School of Management’s 2023 Community Involvement Study revealed a 91% positive correlations between employee volunteering a and engagement.
Creating a Physical Environment That Enhances Well-being and Performance
In addition to organisational culture and employee support, the physical work environment plays a significant role in boosting performance and promoting well-being. Studies show that a thoughtfully designed workspace can improve mood, focus, and productivity.
Here are ways businesses can use the physical environment to enhance performance:
1. Optimise Lighting: Natural light is one of the most important factors in creating a productive work environment. Studies show that exposure to natural light improves mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. If natural light is limited, using full-spectrum lighting can help mimic daylight, reduce eye strain, and improve alertness.
2. Create Comfort with Ergonomic Design: Comfort is crucial to employee productivity. Ergonomic furniture, such as adjustable chairs and desks, can reduce physical strain and discomfort, leading to fewer distractions and increased focus. Comfortable workstations allow employees to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.
Made in Britain member Spaceguard Ltd specialise in ergonomic packing tables and workbenches Designed to boosts workplace health, efficiency, and employee satisfaction while reducing injury-related downtime: https://www.madeinbritain.org/news/packing-tables-and-workbenches-ergonomic-benefits-jan-25
3. Incorporate Plants and Greenery: Indoor plants have been shown to reduce stress and improve air quality. Adding greenery to the workspace can create a calming, soothing atmosphere, which is important for employee well-being. Plants also add aesthetic value and create a welcoming environment that can inspire creativity.
Made in Britain member Metal Office Equipment Ltd are well aware of the impact of Biophilic Design and its benefits in the workplace: https://www.madeinbritain.org/news/corporate-planting-not-just-a-trend
4. Use Colours to Stimulate Creativity and Focus: Colours can significantly impact mood and productivity. For example, blue is known for its calming and focusing effects, while yellow stimulates creativity and energy.
5. Optimise Temperature levels: The optimal workplace temperature for maximum productivity typically falls within the range of 22 to 24 degrees C. This temperature range strikes a balance between comfort and alertness, helping to maintain focus and efficiency without causing discomfort. However, individual preferences can vary, so it's essential to consider personal comfort and the type of work being performed.
6. Fresh air and Ventilation: Proper ventilation ensures that indoor air quality remains high by reducing the concentration of pollutants, allergens, and odours. Good air quality helps prevent headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues, which can otherwise hinder productivity. Exposure to fresh air can improve mental clarity and reduce stress levels, contributing to better concentration and decision-making.
Conclusion: Creating a Productive, Engaged Workforce
To boost productivity, increase customer engagement, and promote wellbeing, businesses must focus on improving employee engagement and the workplace.
When employees are motivated, well-supported, and recognised, and in a well-designed physical environment they are more likely to Flourish. By fostering a positive work environment, leveraging technology, and offering growth opportunities, businesses can empower their teams to perform at their best every day.
Addressing the challenges of languishing and struggling employees is essential to unlocking the full potential of a workforce and achieving long-term business success. How many of your employees are Languishing ? Or Struggling ?
By Made in Britain 4 months ago | By Made in Britain