Why is it important to focus on employee Wellbeing?

"We are embedding health & well-being at the heart of our business strategy because our people are our greatest asset, and we recognise that a healthy, happy and committed workforce is vital to our business success." Alex Gourlay, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance

Employee wellbeing is a critical component of a healthy working environment and organisation. Companies that promote wellbeing make it easier for employees to manage stress levels while also maintaining a positive and productive environment. Wellbeing can refer to mental and physical health, as well as more complex things such as satisfaction and engagement levels. 

In this article, we’ll explain what employee wellbeing is, why it matters, and strategies to promote employee health and wellbeing in a workplace

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What is employee wellbeing?

Employee wellbeing is defined as the overall mental, physical, emotional, and economic health of your employees. It’s influenced by various factors such as their relationships with co-workers, the decisions they make, and the tools and resources they have access to. Hours, pay, and workplace safety also have a significant impact on employee wellbeing. 

Employee wellbeing, though subjective, should generally reach a point where it fosters productivity and health within the workplace. External factors, such as housing, health, and family-related stress, significantly impact work performance.

While employers cannot control events outside of working hours, they can still assume responsibility for supporting their employees within their realm of influence.

According to a recent employee wellbeing study by Alight, less than half of U.S. employees have a positive perception of their overall wellbeing. Overall, there has been a major decline in employee wellbeing from early 2020 to mid-2021, even as employees return to work at the office again through 2023 and beyond.  

Why does wellbeing at work matter?

“Good health IS good business.” Paul Dreschler, Chairman, Bibby Line Group

It is the employers' duty to provide their workers with the necessary support and care for their physical and mental health. Despite this, many organisations still don't have a dedicated wellbeing strategy. A wellbeing strategy can help employees feel valued and supported at work. It can also improve employee engagement and motivate teams to reach their goals.

Issues such as excessively long work hours, insufficient rest periods, and inadequate compensation have taken a toll on employee health across the board. Many individuals have come forward to articulate how the lack of attention and action toward improving employee wellbeing has personally impacted them.

Clearly, employee wellbeing serves as a foundational element in all organisations. Regardless of the size or industry of your company, there are numerous meaningful avenues to enhance the quality of life for everyone involved. Taking proactive steps toward employee wellbeing now can have a positive impact on future lives, potentially even saving them.

The advantages of good employee health and wellbeing

When employees feel well, they tend to perform better. This increases productivity and helps employees develop better habits. Studies show that workers are 13% more productive when happy. 

Employee health and wellbeing are crucial aspects that can significantly impact both individuals and organisations. Here are some key advantages:

1. Improved Productivity: Healthy employees are more productive, leading to increased efficiency and output.

2. Reduced Healthcare Costs: Investing in employee wellbeing can result in lower healthcare costs for the organisation due to fewer medical expenses and insurance claims.

3. Enhanced Employee Engagement : Wellbeing initiatives can boost employee engagement, leading to higher job satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Decreased Absenteeism: Healthy employees are less likely to miss work due to illness, reducing absenteeism rates and ensuring continuity in operations.

5. Lower Turnover Rates: Organisations that prioritise employee health and wellness tend to experience lower turnover rates, saving on recruitment and training costs.

6. Stress Reduction: Supporting employee wellbeing can help reduce stress levels, leading to a more positive work environment and improved mental health.

Strategies to promote Employee Health and Wellbeing at workplace

Honestly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing an employee wellbeing strategy. That’s because it should be based on the unique needs and characteristics of your organisation.

However here are a few strategies that can be implemented by an organisation to promote health and wellbeing of their employees:

1. Recognition and Rewards: Recognise employees for positive behaviours and achievements by offering incentives and rewards that show care and appreciation.

2. Employee Engagement: Provide opportunities for employees to participate in identifying and solving workplace problems, empowering them to contribute to a positive work environment.

3. Mental Health Awareness Programs: Offer mental health awareness programs and counselling to support employees facing mental health challenges, promoting overall wellbeing.

4. Create a Positive Work Environment: Redesign work conditions to reduce stress and promote employee wellbeing, focusing on factors that affect physical and mental health.

5. Promote Mindfulness: Encourage mindfulness practices among employees to help them stay present, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

6. Health Behaviour Support: Offer resources and programs that support healthy behaviours such as proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management to improve employee health outcomes.

7. Employee Wellbeing Initiatives: Implement comprehensive well-being initiatives that address physical and mental health, creating a conducive environment for employee growth and satisfaction.

By incorporating these strategies into the workplace culture, organisations can foster a supportive environment that prioritises employee health and wellbeing, leading to improved productivity, reduced turnover, and enhanced overall performance.

Ensuring the health and well-being of employees is crucial for both the individuals and the organisation. By prioritising employee health, companies can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a positive work environment. Healthy employees are more engaged, motivated, and resilient, improving job satisfaction and retention rates. Moreover, well-being can lower healthcare costs for employees and employers in the long run. Investing in employee health and well-being benefits individuals by promoting a better quality of life and contributes to the organisation's overall success and sustainability.