Emotional wellness plays a huge role in both personal and professional success.
It’s all about how we manage, understand, and express our emotions. All of this directly affects team performance and the company’s bottom line.
When you prioritize everyone’s emotional health, you create a positive and energized workplace where individuals and teams can truly thrive.
It's not just about feeling good—it's about a culture where everyone has the support they need to succeed.
How does emotional wellbeing affect the workday?
76% of U.S. workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition. 84% of respondents said their workplace conditions had contributed to at least one mental health challenge. 81% of workers reported that they will be looking for workplaces that support mental health in the future.
— 2024 Report by Department of Health & Human Services
Productivity and performance
When employees feel emotionally healthy, they’re more focused, better at handling stress, and quick on their feet with problem-solving. It all adds up to higher productivity and stronger job performance.
Workplace relationships
Emotional wellbeing makes for better communication and teamwork. When people feel valued and understood, it creates a more supportive, collaborative environment where everyone can thrive together.
Work-life balance
Focusing on emotional wellness helps employees keep that all-important work-life balance. It’s a big step toward long-term job satisfaction and personal happiness.
Adaptability and resilience
Emotional wellness builds resilience, making it easier for employees to adapt to changes and tackle challenges head-on—especially in today’s fast-paced work environments.
Decision-making
Clear thinking and sound decision-making come from a healthy emotional state. Employees with good emotional health make more thoughtful choices, which benefits both problem-solving and planning.
Questions for L&D Leaders
- How does our organizational culture support or hinder the emotional wellbeing of our employees?
- Does your organization budget for employee health and wellbeing?
- Do our policies and practices (such as leave policies, work hours, remote work options) support a healthy work-life balance? How could they be better?
- Are there aspects of our work environment that could be contributing to stress or burnout?
Steps to Promoting Emotional Well-being
Step 1: Assess employee needs
Get input directly from your team. Use surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one chats to understand what they need and want. This not only helps shape meaningful wellness initiatives but also encourages them to be active participants.
Step 2: Offer workplace support
Make sure employees feel supported by providing resources that make a difference—think career development, mentorship programs, OpenSesame online training courses and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that are there when they need them.
Step 3: Recognize achievements
Find out how your team likes to be recognized. Whether it’s a promotion, a bonus, or a simple thank-you, meaningful recognition goes a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work.
Step 4: Encourage stress management
Support a healthy work-life balance with flexible work options, time off, social events, and encouraging regular breaks. Little steps like these can help make work less stressful and more enjoyable.
Step 5: Monitor and improve
Keep an eye on how your programs are doing. Use follow-up surveys and feedback sessions to ensure your wellness efforts continue to meet employee needs and evolve with best practices.
Ideas to nurture emotional wellness in your teams
- Quarterly collaborative projects: Encourage different departments to team up on projects that benefit the company. This boosts social and emotional wellbeing by building connections and teamwork.
- Nominate a colleague program: Recognizing each other’s contributions can do wonders for self-esteem. Create a program where employees can nominate their peers for their hard work and impact.
- Wellness newsletter: Brighten the mood by sending out a newsletter filled with positive messages, funny videos, or jokes. A little laughter goes a long way in boosting workplace morale.
- Walking meetings: Break free from the usual office setting with outdoor walking meetings. A change of scenery can calm the mind and spark fresh, creative ideas.
- 30-Day unplug challenge: Encourage employees to disconnect from technology after work and on weekends for 30 days. This simple challenge can help lift moods and reduce stress.
- Social events: Organize fun events outside of work to help coworkers bond and boost emotional wellness through relaxed, social interaction.
- Weekly meditation or breathing exercises: Host guided meditation or breathing sessions each week to help reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing for your team.
All this and ongoing support for your team at OpenSesame
Have questions about this guide or our resources? Want to collaborate with the curation team on a custom Wellness training plan using the OpenSesame catalog?
We’re here for you! Reach out to your Customer Success Manager today!
Here’s our curated list of 23 OpenSesame Select courses to support your team
Workplace Happiness: Cultivating Emotional Well-being
