Manager Tips: Emphasize the Power of Prevention

Well-being requires taking care of the mind, body and finances. Because these are all interrelated, taking a preventive approach in each of these areas can significantly enhance overall employee well-being. In addition to saving lives, preventive care saves individuals and organizations money by catching chronic diseases and life-threatening illnesses when they are easier and less costly to treat. It can also help prevent burnout and financial situations that cause absenteeism, stress and dissatisfaction, thus leading to happier, healthier and more productive teams.

Here are 5 actions you can take as a manager to support and encourage your team to take a preventive approach to well-being.

1. Schedule a WELLbinar to attend as a team.
   Invite your entire team to join a WELLbinar together and host a meeting afterwards to discuss how they will implement the ideas in their life. Encourage employees to share new ideas, and set up the next team WELLbinar session in a few months.
2. Lead by example.
   Get regular health screenings and encourage your team to do the same. Offer flexible work schedules for employees and their families to get their screenings and vaccinations and remind them of any telemedicine resources available through the local health plan.
3. Support your employees’ emotional well-being.
   Celebrate World Mental Health Day on October 10 by scheduling a mental health break with your team. Ask employees to share their best tips for reducing stress. Support and advocate for the mental health and well-being of your team throughout the year sharing local mental health resources.
4. Promote a safe environment.
   Tell your team about the safety and well-being resources available to them through LifeGuard, WellBeingAtAECOM.com and the GuidanceResources EAP. Review the EAP Toolkit for Managers for an overview of the resources available through the GuidanceResources EAP.
5. Teach good financial habits.
   Share financial tips and lessons you’ve learned during your career. Encourage them to establish realistic financial goals and use this checklist to ensure they’re prepared for a financial emergency.