The modern workplace can feel like quite a pressure cooker. Deadlines, endless emails, meetings - all that stuff can become a lot to handle simultaneously, leaving one truly overwhelmed. 😢 But here’s the thing: while there’s no magic formula to eliminate this for good, putting together a better work environment is possible. And for that, you as a leader must work hard(er).

We mean building an environment where communication flows effortlessly, and employee well-being is a priority. Wait, what’s the communication employee well-being connection?

So, comms and well-being are totally two sides of the same coin. When employees feel informed, heard, and connected, they’re happier individuals and more productive and engaged workers. Conversely, when communication is poor, employee stress skyrockets. Deadlines get missed, tasks are duplicated, and confusion triumphs. According to studies, companies with higher levels of employee engagement and supportive workplaces see a 21% increase in profitability. 

So, how do you build a supportive workplace where communication is a tool for success, not a source of frustration? In this blog, we go over tips for improving employee well-being through an effective communication lens. Read on as we spotlight ways and explain how leveraging tools like a robust employee communications app can help you foster a workplace where everyone feels heard and supported.

How to create a supportive workplace with communication for employees: 6 tips for success

Tip 1: Create a culture of open, empathetic communication

Let’s face a fact: nobody wants to work at a place where they feel like they’re just another cog in the machine. Universally, employees want to be able to voice their concerns, offer feedback, and genuinely feel heard and valued. And this is where you as a leader need to step in, ensure empathetic communication, and foster well-being.

According to research, empathy is the most critical leadership skill, and you’ve got to imbibe it to build trust, strengthen relationships, and reduce workplace stress.

To do this, start sharing your perspective on approach and plans with employees. Encourage a culture of regular check-ins and active listening. The right mental conditioning will help you build a workplace environment where empathy isn’t just a buzzword. The takeaway is you need to communicate openly, encourage employees to speak up and ensure every voice feels valued.

Tip 2: Leverage technology to stay connected

We live in a world where everything is mobile, so hey, why shouldn’t your internal communications be? With remote work on the rise and many employees stationed on the frontlines, doing what it takes to stay connected is super important for smooth communication and well-being. After all, emails don’t always cut it right, especially if people are working on the move. The solution? 

Technology! Studies have shown that digital tools can help overcome connectivity challenges and significantly boost productivity and employee well-being. They especially help reduce feelings of isolation. Using the right tools, such as Speakap’s mobile-first comms platform, can supercharge you, let you stay connected, and ensure nobody misses a beat. The platform is built to let you communicate in real time and even asynchronously based on your comms needs. Use it to share updates and instructions, disseminate training, or even extend emotional support easily.

Tip 3: Use regular check-ins to promote well-being

A supportive workplace today is all about planting the right seeds 🌱and nurturing an environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves and sharing what’s going on in their lives. Hands down, this is a must for well-being. Research shows that when employees know their well-being is a priority for their organization, they’re more likely to stay engaged and less likely to experience burnout. Case in point: Regular check-ins aren’t just good management practices but essential for promoting employee well-being. 

For this, make sure you proactively check in on your people and see that this goes beyond work tasks. Whether it’s a one-on-one meeting, DMs on your employee app, or occasional anonymous surveys, dig deeper into employee wellness stuff. Ask your employees about any challenges they may be facing. Based on feedback, step in to address. You’ve got to show that you care.

Tip 4: Promote mental health and wellness programs

Burnout is for real, and you’ve got to tackle to holsitically promote well-being. According to Gallup, 76% of employees experience burnout at least occasionally. Those who regularly suffer from it are 63% more likely to take a sick day and 23% more likely to visit the emergency room. In short, this means, burnout is not just a “they” problem, but also a “you” one. You don’t want it to impact your business, right?

One of the most effective ways to tackle it is by implementing and promoting mental health and wellness programs. But there’s one place where most people mess up. So, wellness programs will work only when people know about or use them. Otherwise, burnout will continue, right? This is where internal communication becomes super essential. When employees regularly see wellness initiatives in your comms, there’s more awareness and recall to engage with your wellness efforts, such as workshops, training, counseling support, etc. That’s what you need to do next to build healthier and happier teams! 

Kalahari Resorts has successfully integrated its wellness programs into daily communications and seen massive boost participation. Find out more about the behind-the-scenes of its winning approach here.

Tip 5: Recognize and celebrate achievements

Employee well-being isn’t just about reducing stress and promoting mental health; it’s also about fostering a sense of belonging. One of the easiest ways to get this done is by putting effort into recognition. When you appreciate your employees' hard work, they feel supported and valued. This boosts their self-esteem and overall well-being.

To put this into practice, use communication platforms to recognize achievements regularly and easily. You can do this for individual milestones and team wins. We don’t mean you need to start putting in extensive effort. It can really be as simple as a shout on the company group chat or having awards like Employee of the Month, and so on. The idea is to take tiny steps and communicate regularly to make people feel valued.

Read More: Mastering the Art of Employee Recognition for a Multigenerational Workforce

Tip 6: Foster two-way communication

Last but not least, as leaders, it’s not enough for you to just communicate with your teams. You must ensure your folks feel comfortable and can engage in two-way dialogue. They should be able to voice any concerns, offer suggestions, and share their thoughts. When this happens, you’ll see workplace stress decrease. Employees will feel like they’re an integral part of your company’s success, and productivity will touch new highs. How do you get there?

Achieving this starts with fostering an open feedback loop and accessible two-way communication. You’ve got to review the gaps in your organization and fix them. For example, if you’ve got a considerable frontline team, look at comms options beyond emails that help communicate on the go. Suppose you run a quick-service restaurant where your staff is on their toes. Look out for emoji reaction options on your employee app to ensure they can respond quickly. The key is doing what it takes to simplify two-way communication and create a supportive work environment where collaboration is easy, and stress levels are in check.

Ready to improve well-being with better communication? 

Employee well-being is closely tied to how well your company communicates. When employees feel heard and connected, they’re not just more productive—they’re happier. Whether fostering open dialogues, using real-time communication tools, or promoting wellness programs, the right internal communication strategies can help you improve how your folks feel at work.