The surprising well-being benefits of mentorship
Ask yourself, or your employees, how they got to where they are at this very moment in their career. Many of them would credit some sort of mentor, like a colleague, family member, friend, coach or teacher.
The American Psychological Association defines a mentor as an individual who provides career-related advice and support to another person. These structured relationships not only help employees build strong relationships and gain confidence in their career but also contribute positively to employee health and well-being.
Mentorship programs are a win-win for your business and employees
While a comprehensive benefits package such as core medical coverage, vision, dental and retirement are a proven way to retain current employees and appeal to prospective talent, a strong mentorship program may be the cherry on top for both your employees and business in an ever-competitive market. In fact, Forbes reports that 85 percent of job seekers say they are more interested in companies that offer mentorship programs.
Let’s partner to create a healthier workplace
The Wellmark Well-being Team can help you look beyond your employees’ claims and provide a variety of evidence-based programs that address all aspects of well-being.
The surprising health benefits for mentors and mentees
Emotional benefits
- For mentors, it's a way to give back, work with varying personality styles and get the satisfaction of imparting wisdom or advice.
- For mentees, it provides a support system during critical states of development.
Career benefits
- Mentors gain the opportunity to enhance their skills in coaching, leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Mentorship provides mentees with insight, perspective, support and direction when navigating their career path.
- Both mentors and mentees experience greater job satisfaction.
Financial benefits
- Employees with formal mentoring are promoted sooner than those without mentoring.
Social benefits
- Both mentors and mentees will create a career network.
Community benefits
- Both mentors and mentees will get exposure to a wide range of experiences.
4 tips to creating a successful mentorship program
When you integrate these four tips into your workplace, you will be on track for a healthier and more engaged workplace.
1.
Make intentional mentor/mentee matches
Contrary to popular belief, mentorship programs aren’t only for the new person in the office. In order to find good mentorship matches, you need some data on your employees. Have employees start with a questionnaire about their career objectives, communication preferences or what they’re looking for in a mentor/mentee.
2.
Buy-in from staff
To have a strong mentorship program, you need to have buy-in from both management and staff. It’s also important to stress the mentorship program is voluntary, while emphasizing the importance of mentoring on career success.
3.
Clearly define roles and responsibilities
Define key roles, including who sets up meeting times, meeting frequency, location and conversation topic suggestions.
4.
Encourage goal setting
Encourage your employees to set goals at the beginning of the program and to check in and reflect after each mentor/mentee session. Use these check-ins to assess how the program is going and adjust mentor/mentee matches when needed.
Employees are never too old, or too successful, for a mentor
We are never done learning or developing, regardless of stage of life or career. Whether an employee is starting out early in their career, tenured, or on track to be the next Steve Jobs, anyone can benefit from a mentor.
Take action for a healthier workplace and healthier employees
The Wellmark Well-being Team is committed to helping you build a workplace that promotes healthy behaviors. Our approach is about more than encouraging them to eat right and move more. We believe a true well-being program focuses on the whole person.
That’s why we support all pillars of good health. From programs that boost physical and mental health, build resiliency, improve financial literacy, and more — we’ve got proven solutions that motivate employees to change the behaviors holding them back from living their best lives.
Looking to get started or learn more? Contact a Wellmark well-being consultant today!