A New Employee Engagement Plan: Stress Reducers

Are you running a team, or are you building one?

Managers, Managers, Managers- have you noticed your team going through the motions, struggling with motivation, or overwhelmed as workloads increase? While internal obstacles are expected, it’s the external pressures—personalities, home life, and mental health—that are much harder to navigate.

One of the biggest challenges managers face in Q4 is focusing your team while balancing the realities of everyone’s life outside of work. With over one-third of Americans showing signs of anxiety or depression, there’s never been a greater need for workplace mental health support (Gallup).

Where there is the gap in your team’s engagement? The traditional levers for employee engagement include salary, benefits, and bonuses. How employees view their impact on customer satisfaction or shareholder value will drive their growth opportunities for learning and career development.

While personal and professional development undoubtedly fuel motivation, the modern workplace demands more than metrics. Thankfully, strategies that foster not just performance but well-being are trending and top of mind. After all, your team's ability to execute on deadlines directly influences your success and your year-end bonus.

Instead of relying on outdated tactics, consider integrating Wellness & Mental Health Activities into your management approach. A study by Workhuman.com found that 91% of employees in companies where leaders support wellness initiatives report higher motivation levels. Small allowances for mental health can go a long way in driving results.

5 Action Steps Managers Can Take:

1. Launch a Wellness Series
   Develop a recurring series focused on stress management, mindfulness, movement, and mental health. Regular workshops offer practical tools for managing work and life pressures, fostering resilience among your team.

2. Incorporate Coaching Circles
   Create small group sessions where employees can discuss personal development, set goals, and support one another. Consider 1:1 coaching for leaders to enhance emotional intelligence and create a culture of support and growth.

3. Encourage Movement Breaks
   Implement short, group-based stretch or breathwork sessions during meetings. Movement challenges—like step counts or group yoga—can further promote health while building camaraderie.

4. Foster a Shared Purpose
   Align wellness goals with the company’s mission. Use visual tools (like a Clarity Map) to help employees connect their personal and professional aspirations, driving greater engagement and purpose.

5. Offer Reiki & Energy Healing Sessions
   Introduce holistic healing practices such as Reiki x Coaching sessions in the workplace. These energy healing experiences can help employees recharge and foster deeper, meaningful connections.

By incorporating these steps, you not only increase employee engagement but also create a work environment where wellness and productivity coexist. As we enter the final quarter of the year, prioritizing mental health will set your team up for sustained success.