More little interactions key to employee wellbeing

People management has come out on top of the most important things for an employer to do well in the Great Place to Work (GPTW) Wellbeing Report 2023.

The organisation analysed over 140,000 employee responses, which put it above work-life balance and financial support and security as the most crucial for workers.

But the results show that it is not all about initiatives and big gestures.

“Less snazzy solutions, more little interactions,” wrote one employee of what they wanted, while another added, “Management shows a sincere interest in my as a person, not just an employee.”

This desire for interpersonal connection runs throughout the GPTW report.

“I feel like having bi-weekly 1-2-1s really allows employees to feel as though they can openly discuss any challenges they face,” said one respondent. “Going forwards I think it’d be great if we could hold more regular 121 catch-ups with members of our team who we don’t work with on a day-to-day basis.”

Some of the companies mentioned in the report have built on this side of the business. Student Beans has launched training and education in association with the charity MIND for managers around mental health awareness and setting up employee wellness action plans.

Salesforce has started a Leader Success Slack channel for managers to ask questions, share best practice and collaborate.

Above all, managers just need to reach out to those they work with and above. 95% of employees within the top five-ranked companies said they get empathy and support from their managers when needed.

As one employee said, “Supportive managers really make a difference when team members are going through a hard time in their personal life…As an employee, you thrive to do your best when you feel valued and supported.”

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