26 July 2024
The concept of workplace wellness has changed in the last several years. Reducing healthcare costs is no longer the only goal – corporate performance, growth, and health are also important. Most company leaders measure workplace wellbeing at a higher level, considering healthcare expenditures and how profitable, efficient, and sustainable a firm is. A safe, high-quality workplace where staff members are satisfied with their jobs, the workplace culture, and the company is known as “workplace wellness.”
With an awareness of the connections between employee health and lower costs, increased productivity, sustainability, and overall business health, more businesses are now adopting a holistic approach to workplace wellness. Leaders are realising that work design and organisational wellness have a more significant impact on employees’ wellbeing than just putting the onus of wellness management on the individual worker. Employee and workplace wellbeing are correlated. The employee cannot perform well if you address their mental health issues without also taking care of their stressful work environment.
Improved talent attraction and retention
Workplace health initiatives are indeed crucial, and positive company cultures are effective in attracting and retaining talent. Many businesses are addressing these aspects by implementing organisational reforms and offering individualised mental health care. However, it’s important to note that a key component of a plan for staff wellbeing is training. Research has shown that training employees not only increases their output and quality of work but also their morale, job satisfaction, and self-reported wellbeing. This emphasis on training should reassure leaders about the effectiveness of this strategy in improving staff wellbeing.
Decreased burnout
According to Lyra Health’s 2024 State of Workforce Mental Health survey, financial stress is the element that affects workforce mental health the most, followed by burnout and stress related to the job. Workplace wellness initiatives that evaluate aspects of work design that affect workers’ mental health can help managers prevent burnout by streamlining workflows, fixing inefficiencies, and implementing work-life integration methods.
Heightened productivity
Employees are more inclined to dedicate themselves to their profession and produce quality work when they feel cared for and supported. Providing wellness initiatives for employees at work boosts output. Engagement at work is significantly influenced by employee morale. A positive work environment makes individuals proud of their work, attracts and keeps talent, and boosts productivity. Employees may feel better about their jobs and the company when workplace wellness efforts are reframed as providing managers with the tools to support their team through effective communication, efficient procedures, and expectations that allow for an excellent work-life balance.
Company culture
Research shows that, many employees value a positive company culture more than a high income. Employers who foster a culture of wellbeing and encourage staff members to utilise the available services for employee wellness may have happier, healthier staff members who are less likely to experience mental health issues. A more comprehensive approach to employee wellness initiatives is necessary for sustainable organisational health. With the right support, HR professionals can create vibrant, healthy work environments that are geared toward long-term success.
UASA strongly encourages organisations to make the wellbeing of their employees a top priority. This involves providing comprehensive support mechanisms to help employees effectively manage their work obligations and personal lives. By prioritising the overall wellbeing of their workforce, organisations can establish a positive and supportive work environment that benefits both employees and the organisation as a whole.
Lyra Health is your partner in delivering evidence-based mental health care that transforms lives and drives business results.
Ref: www.lyrahealth.com www.uasa.org.za