4 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Promote a Healthy Startup Culture

by Startacus Admin

 

Looking after the employees in your startup is a must - here are a few of the best ways that you can do just that

Starting a business can be exhilarating. You will want to throw your heart and soul into your new venture and may expect your employees to do the same. After all, they should love their jobs as much as you do, right? However, if you want to keep the engine of your business running, you need to look after your employees and help them to avoid burnout and apathy due to stress. Your health is important too, so you should practice what you preach. Here are four ways entrepreneurs can promote a healthy startup culture.

Get Employees Involved in Shaping Culture

Many people feel despondent at work if they feel they are not being listened to. As a startup, the fresher the ideas you can get, the better. It can be difficult to take your finger off the decision- making process but try to lead a company meeting once a week, either in person or via video conferencing where new ideas are shared. Whether employees have a great way to attract a new client or know how to use the photocopier more effectively, if it will help the company to move forward, it is a good idea. It will stop your staff from feeling depressed, undervalued, and unappreciated, which will help their mental health.

Build a Team Culture

There are several advantages to building a team culture. If you take an evening once a month or so to do something active together such as a bowling night or skating party, it will help your employees to stay fit and healthy and give them some downtime, which will help them relax. These events promote a less formal atmosphere and ideas, and suggestions can be shared without employees feeling under pressure. It gives other team members a chance to add their own suggestions and some great work can come out of getting together to be healthy. If you want to take this idea one step further, why not promote exercise clubs such as a running club or a five-a-side soccer team?

Downtime

If you want to keep your employees healthy and stop them phoning in sick when the pressure gets too much for them, then you need to make sure they get some downtime. Promote a company culture where business is conducted between set hours and make it clear that employees are not expected to check company texts, e-mails, or take phone calls outside of this time. This means that they can walk away from work and get enough relaxation time and sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, try taking a bedtime drink to relax. Otherwise, you might be tempted to share your ideas and plans with them. You can jot these down but make sure you don’t hit the send button until business hours.

Snacks

Many entrepreneurs provide vending machines or a cafeteria for their staff, especially as the company grows. Make sure you provide healthy food for your employees if you don’t want them falling asleep at their desks in the afternoon. Fill the vending machine with food such as fruit and nuts that release energy slowly rather than chocolate that might provide a quick hit but also reduces energy levels quickly. Ask your cafeteria to provide healthy meals that will keep your employees fit and alert. Your business will reap the rewards from this quickly.

Running a startup doesn’t have to be unhealthy for either you or your employees. Follow these tips to help you promote a healthy startup culture and your company will be rewarded with alert, healthy team players who don’t phone in sick too often. This may well put you ahead of the competition too.

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Published on: 28th September 2021