With Christmas just around the corner, our calendars can quickly become full of social engagements. But what about when the festivities end and the thought of venturing out into the cold for a catch-up seems less appealing?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), maintaining our social wellbeing is just as important for our long-term health as supporting our physical and mental wellbeing. So, with that in mind, we’re looking at how you, as an employer, can help staff in this area, regardless of the season.
Social Wellbeing in the Workplace
As a workforce, we spend an average of around 30% of our waking hours at work. Not only does it provide financial security, but it also affords us multiple opportunities for social connection – something which can become lacking in the colder half of the year when people don’t venture outdoors as much or need to save money for the upcoming onslaught of festivities.
Therefore, through social wellbeing-focused benefits, you can help create a culture of social connection that makes people feel like part of an inclusive unit.
Team Building
When we think of team building, we often picture an office crew venturing into the great outdoors to take on a tug-of-war challenge or build a seaworthy raft. However, we’re sure your team won’t thank you for planning such an activity in the winter! Therefore, at this time of year, you could opt for indoor activities that provide the same benefits, such as escape rooms or scavenger hunts.
Coffee Mornings
Who doesn’t like getting together over a nice cuppa to shoot the breeze? At Acumen Employee Benefits, we always participate in our wider company’s Bap ‘n’ Chat sessions, which provide colleagues from different departments with the opportunity to connect. Beyond giving your employees a break from the daily grind, it also encourages them to (depending on the size of your company) make connections with new people whom they may not have otherwise even met.
Volunteering Days
An increasingly popular option in the employee benefits mix involves giving staff the opportunity, during work hours, to go into their communities and volunteer. It’s a fantastic thing for them to add to their CV and a great way for them to learn new skills and ways of working that they can bring back to your workplace. Plus, most volunteering opportunities are hugely social, giving them an opportunity to meet new people without having to try and fit it into their already busy lives outside of the office.
Looking to refresh your benefits package for the new year? Browse our free Benefits Reset guide for more tips and advice.
Acumen Employee Benefits Ltd, FRN 916905, is an appointed representative of Acumen Financial Planning Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA, FRN 218745. The content within this article is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as advice.