Why is Employee Wellbeing so Important?

What is Employee Wellbeing at the Workplace?

Employee well-being has been a ‘buzz’ word in HR for a while. But what is behind this ‘buzz’ word and how important is it? 

Around the world, mental health has been more exposed, and therefore we are more aware of the effects and symptoms. As we spend a large amount of our time at work, the focus is on employers as to how they are promoting and enhancing the well-being of their employees in their workplace.

Investing in employee wellbeing, not only benefits employees. There are clear advantages for the company. These included, higher performance, increased employee engagement, and reduced sickness absence.

The Effects of Bad Employee Wellbeing

There is a huge loss both from employees and employers when employee’s well-being is not being prioritized, and these figures show this.

The Benefits of Good Employee Well-being

There are many benefits for your company adopting a proactive employee wellbeing approach.

Less Sick Leave and Absenteeism 

A well-rounded approach to employee wellbeing means employees are less likely to take sick leave and will return from leave more sustainably.

Higher Performance

Employees who are not constantly on sick leave means they are present more to achieve goals. Aligning employee and company goals is mutually beneficial. Working together positively and perform to their optimal level.

Increased Staff Retention

A company that champions a positive view of their employees and well-being will, in turn, benefit from employee loyalty. More and more employees want to feel part of a company’s success and want to develop with a company.

Boost Employer Brand

A positive workforce will reflect in your employer brand. 

Where do you start with a Good Approach?

Put staff well-being as a priority in all areas of business

Create an ethos of your employees being able to speak to you and be open. Let them feel they can talk openly without fear of stigma

Communication is a key factor in mental health, offer all communication methods for your employees, ‘open door’, FaceTime, or chat with whatever they feel most comfortable with.

Flexible working is a major bonus to employees, it also gives them more of a chance at a better work/life balance.

Make sure employees know what is expected of them at work, and what is involved in their job role.

Always check in and ensure employees are comfortable with their workload.

Employee development is so important to make sure your company is focusing on this, to help your employees feel like they are growing and contributing.

Ensure your company has a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Have policies in place to protect your employees from bullying and harassment.

Employee Well-being and the Pandemic

The pandemic has had an impact on people’s lives, both professionally and personally. Some may have been affected by the illness directly and need to time to get better (such effects such as long COVID-19). Loved ones may have been lost. Employees may have been furloughed and feel nervous about coming back after a long period absent. There are also those who have worked throughout the pandemic and might be close to burnout.

Employee – well-being is at a critical point, implementing some small processes, to begin with, can make a huge difference to keeping your employees happy. In the long run, you will find these processes will be beneficial to both the employee and your company.