Supporting workplace wellbeing in the care sector

According to the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD), “promoting wellbeing can help prevent stress and create a more positive work environment…and be a core enabler of employee engagement and organisational performance.

Supporting the health and wellbeing of care workers is particularly important, as their performance directly impacts the lives of those receiving care and their families. 

Yet, with rising challenges like filling staff vacancies and retaining existing workers, what can home care agencies do to tackle the issue of wellbeing in the workplace?


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Not sure how to implement a wellbeing strategy in your own care business? We have created a handy guide to help you bring wellbeing into your workplace. Simply click the button below to grab your free copy.

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Simple strategies to improve workplace wellbeing in a care business

Create a comfortable workplace environment

Noise levels, space, temperature, and light make a significant difference to wellbeing. Consult your office-based team on what would improve the existing environment. Consider space dividers, quiet places, chill-out zones and extra storage space to declutter desks. For remote team members, can you help out with a monthly car valet, or a helpful pack of goodies and healthy snacks to keep them comfortable when they are on the road?

Recognise and celebrate each other

Sharing positive feedback can lead to increased self-esteem and engagement when delivered in a timely way. You could introduce an employee of the month initiative that is chosen based on company values, or simply take the time to send personal emails to recognise the positive actions of your team or celebrate publicly on your social media accounts. 

Make breaks mandatory

Taking regular breaks is shown to have a positive impact on wellbeing and productivity. Lead by example and ensure that everybody (including yourself) is taking their designated breaks consistently every day.  This should also be applied to taking holidays and sick days. Staff should feel safe and unpressured to take off the time they deserve.

Take walking meetings

Exercise is known to boost endorphins and improve both physical and mental health. Put this into practice by taking a walking meeting. Need to catch up over a coffee – take it on the move and have a stroll around the local area. Remember to plan a route and bring a bottle of water!

Transform performance reviews

Traditional annual reviews often bring a sense of dread to even the most prepared employee. This can leave them feeling anxious and worried about their future. Think about changing your annual reviews into something more positive. Focus on career development, training opportunities and personal purpose.

Create company products that improve wellbeing

We all love branded merchandise, but can you put the triangle-shaped highlighter order on hold and get some items that will benefit your workforce? What about a water bottle with some drinking recommendations, a thermal mug for those cold winter mornings, or a pocket umbrella for drizzly days.

Invest in personal development and training

A positive culture that values all staff and invests in skills builds the trust and integrity needed to maintain commitment and productivity. Take the time to work on your employees’ development plans – identifying training opportunities and sharing knowledge through shadowing and coaching.

Develop wellbeing champions

Just like ‘digital champions’, ‘wellbeing champions’ can be found internally and can help to promote, identify and signpost ways to support the wellbeing of their colleagues. Wellbeing champions can help encourage and deploy wellbeing initiatives– like ensuring colleagues are taking regular breaks and being the voice of employee recognition.

Provide job security and stability

Feeling a sense of security, influence and control can be particularly important to wellbeing in the workplace. You may find that providing clarity and consistency with shift plans, rotas and upcoming visits gives carers a greater feeling of satisfaction and stability in their roles – this can easily be achieved using software like IQ:caremanager!


Want to know more about wellbeing in the workplace? Check out our comprehensive wellbeing knowledge hub.