Creating a workplace that supports wellbeing doesn’t mean installing a meditation pod or handing out yoga mats (unless that’s your thing). It’s about doing small, meaningful things consistently.
These are the everyday habits that help people feel seen, supported, and energized during their workday. When done well, they add up to a workplace people genuinely want to be part of. Here are five practical ways to get started.
1. Recognize Contributions Regularly
When people feel appreciated, they’re more motivated, more engaged, and more likely to stick around. Recognition doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes a quick Slack shoutout or a simple “you really nailed that” can go a long way.
The key is consistency. When recognition becomes part of the rhythm of work, it reinforces that effort is noticed, progress matters, and people aren’t just showing up for a paycheck. They’re showing up for a team that sees them.
2. Encourage Hydration
Hydration plays a bigger role in wellbeing than most people realize. It influences everything from energy levels and concentration to mood and memory. And yet, most employees don’t drink enough water during the day. The good news? You can make a big impact with a few small nudges.
Place water stations where people actually walk by. Offer flavor options to make water more exciting. Set friendly team challenges around daily hydration goals. Making water more visible and enjoyable helps turn it into a habit, not a chore.
→ Explore more: How to Encourage Employees to Drink More Water
→ See why it matters: Why Workplace Hydration Matters More Than You Think
How Hydration Became the Secret to a Happier, Healthier Workplace at Infinite Group
3. Promote Movement
Sitting all day takes a toll. Even short bursts of movement can reset focus, boost circulation, and improve mood. But promoting movement doesn’t mean asking people to squeeze in a workout during lunch.
Instead, encourage things like walking one-on-ones, five-minute stretch breaks between meetings, or simply standing during daily check-ins. The goal isn’t intensity. It’s consistency. When movement is woven naturally into the workday, it helps people feel more alert and less drained.
→ Read more: Movement at Work: Why Physical Activity Improves Mental Clarity
4. Support Mental Health
Wellbeing isn’t just about the physical side. Mental and emotional health are equally important, especially in today’s high-pressure environments. Supporting mental health at work starts with creating psychological safety. That means checking in with your team regularly, encouraging honest conversations, and equipping managers with the tools to lead with empathy.
It also means making sure resources like mental health support or counseling are visible and accessible. A culture that takes mental health seriously is one where people can show up fully.
→ Dive deeper: Hydration & Mental Health: Why Water Does More Than You Think
5. Enable Flexible Work Structures
Flexibility doesn’t just mean working from home. It means giving people more control over how, when, and where they work best. That could look like flexible hours, asynchronous workflows, or setting clear expectations about when people are expected to be online.
Respecting boundaries and time offline is crucial. When people can structure their workday to suit their rhythm and responsibilities, it reduces stress and improves work-life balance.
→ See how it works: Work-Life Balance Starts at Home
The best part? These five tips don’t require a huge budget or a major culture overhaul. They’re simple shifts that show your team you care about how they feel, not just what they deliver. And that kind of care is exactly what builds a healthier, more motivated workplace.
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