10 ways to boost your staff’s self-esteem

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month, a time to focus on the confidence of your team and the belief they have in their own self-worth, skills, knowledge and abilities. Read on as the Occupational Health experts at YourGP share their top tips for nurturing self-esteem and creating a healthy workplace culture.

Why self-esteem matters in the workplace

Low self-esteem can have a huge impact, not just on the individual, but on the wider workplace too. It can have a negative impact on job satisfaction, productivity levels, staff retention rates and sickness rates, as well as the overall morale of the team, which in turn can have a detrimental effect on relations with clients and stakeholders.

Self-esteem can be affected by a variety of things such as lack of recognition for achievements, lack of opportunities to reach full potential, and a lack of respect in working relationships.

Top 10 ways to boost your employee’s self-esteem

February may be International Boost Self-Esteem Month, but nurturing your employees’ self-esteem should form an integral part of your approach all year round. Here are 10 suggestions on how to safeguard self-esteem every day of the working week.

1. Set clear goals and expectations and show appreciation when those expectations are met or exceeded. Recognise and reward achievements.
2. Get to know each employee’s strengths – stretch and celebrate these.
3. Provide opportunities for staff to challenge themselves, learn new skills and reach their full potential.
4. Gather regular employee feedback and support employee-led initiatives.
5. Build a supportive environment where everyone looks out for each other. Provide plenty of opportunities for staff to reach out and ask for help if they are struggling.
6. Promote a healthy work / life balance and encourage interests outside of work.
7. Educate your team about the importance of looking after themselves, both physically and mentally.
8. Remember – positivity breeds positivity, so lead by example. Adopt a positive attitude, ensure your chosen words and body language reflect this, and try to reframe failures when possible.
9. Mistakes happen, encourage all staff to learn from these, move forward and let go of negative feelings.
10. Show staff just how valued they are by enhancing employee benefit packages. Occupational Health packages from YourGP, for example, can be tailored to your specific business needs. We can provide on-site GP services, comprehensive health assessments and help right when they need it, making their health and wellbeing a priority. Investing in an employee’s health is a demonstrable way of reinforcing what a valued member of staff they are.

Speak to the Occupational Health experts at YourGP

If you’re interested in finding out more about how your employees’ self-esteem could be boosted by a robust occupational healthcare package, speak to the experts at YourGP. Simply call 0131 381 0322 or email occhealth@your.gp to make an appointment and we’ll be happy to advise on ways to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of your employees.