Employees must know we care about their wellbeing, says Shutterstock

Healthy body, healthy mind is the philosophy at stock photography site Shutterstock, which focuses its wellbeing strategy on promoting understanding and inclusivity.

Shutterstock yoga
Shutterstock’s yoga space. Credit: Max Touhey 

Businesses globally are increasingly recognising the fundamental importance of prioritising wellbeing in the workplace in order to create inclusive and supportive environments.

Businesses like Bupa, Direct Line Group, Vitality and Marks & Spencer are emphasising the need for organisations to take a strategic approach to employee wellbeing that starts in the boardroom and focuses on rewarding behaviour which prioritising wellness.

READ MORE: The benefits of integrating workplace wellbeing into performance management

At stock photography, music and video site Shutterstock, wellbeing is built into the fabric of the building. The company’s New York headquarters has a purpose built yoga studio offering free weekly classes, which doubles as a mediation space. Employees are also actively encouraged to lead their own classes, such as meditation or Bollywood dancing.

We want to give people the space to deal with their personal issues as they arise.

Razia Meyer, Shutterstock

Head of global facilities and operations, Razia Meyer, co-ordinates with members from every department to ensure they are not only offering competitive benefits, but implementing strategies and support that appeal to everyone.

“I want to institute policies that ensure people feel not only safe to come to work, but also happy with the environment we foster,” she explains. “If people don’t feel the company cares about their wellbeing, or that they’re not growing individually, then we are off-track.”

Managers are trained to be attentive to their employees’ needs, especially when coping with big lifestyle changes or grief.

“We want to give people the space to deal with their personal issues as they arise. It’s our duty to approach people with empathy and understanding,” Meyer adds.

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