The pillars of workplace wellbeing (and why it matters)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn about wellbeing and why employee wellness at work is so important. Plus, the benefits and pillars of workplace wellness programs for employees.
Feeling good at work isn't just about having a comfortable office chair or a good coffee machine. Workplace wellbeing encompasses much more than simple creature comforts. It impacts not only how employees feel during their workday but also how they perform, engage with their tasks, and view their employer. Understanding the significance of workplace wellbeing is key for employers and businesses that want to foster a healthy, productive, and loyal workforce.
What is workplace wellbeing?
Workplace wellbeing captures how employees feel about their jobs, their work environment, and the support they receive from their employers. It includes the emotional, mental, and social aspects of a job. A workplace that pays attention to wellbeing helps employees feel a valued part of a community where they have the tools, resources, and support they need to do their jobs well.
Mental and emotional health
Mental and emotional health is a crucial element of workplace wellbeing. Workplaces that do this well create a culture where stress is managed, and mental health is openly discussed and supported. Employers who promote workplace wellbeing recognize that employees are people with lives outside of work that can affect their performance and health.
Social connections
Social connections also play a vital role in workplace wellbeing. Positive relationships among colleagues, opportunities for team building and social interaction, and a sense of belonging can significantly impact how employees feel about their job and workplace.
Growth and development
Workplace wellbeing also includes access to opportunities for growth and development. When employees feel that they’re learning, growing, and being challenged in their roles, it adds to their sense of purpose and satisfaction.
In essence, workplace wellbeing is about creating a holistic environment that nurtures the overall health and happiness of employees. It's a commitment from employers to look after their most valuable asset—their people. By prioritizing wellbeing, companies can improve the lives of their employees but also enhance their own effectiveness and success.
How employee wellbeing impacts the workplace
The impact of employee wellbeing on the workplace can be profound and far-reaching. When employees feel their wellbeing is valued, it can not only boost their health and happiness, but also bring tangible benefits to the organization.
A focus on employee wellness can significantly contribute to talent attraction and retention, sending a strong message to potential employees that a company cares about its people. This can make an organization more attractive to job seekers and lead to greater job satisfaction and loyalty for existing employees.
Investing in employee wellbeing can positively impact an organization’s image. A company known for its commitment to employee wellness can enhance its reputation because it’s often viewed more favorably by customers and business partners.
Wellbeing plays a critical role in the day-to-day functioning of a workplace. Employees who feel well, both physically and mentally, are typically more engaged, productive, creative, and efficient.
6 benefits of employee wellness
There are many benefits to developing a workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing. When employees feel that their wellbeing is taken seriously, the advantages can extend to the entire organization.
1. Promotes resilience
A workplace that supports wellbeing helps employees build resilience so they’re better equipped to handle work-related challenges and stress. Resilient employees can adapt to changes, face difficulties with a positive attitude, and recover quickly from setbacks. When employees are able to approach situations with resilience, it can contribute to a stronger, more adaptable organization.
2. Lower staff turnover
When employees are happy and healthy, they’re more likely to stay with a company. High turnover can be costly and disruptive, so by focusing on wellbeing, companies can reduce the frequency of employees leaving, saving on the costs associated with hiring and training new staff. Plus, a stable workforce means retaining valuable skills and knowledge within the organization.
3. Increased productivity
Employees who are well in body and mind tend to be more productive. They have the energy, focus, and motivation to perform their tasks effectively, which is beneficial for the company’s output and success.
4. Increased profitability
There’s a direct link between employee wellbeing and a company's bottom line. When team members are well and productive, they contribute more significantly to the company's goals, which can lead to increased profitability. Additionally, the savings from lower staff turnover and fewer sick days also help bring better financial performance.
5. Enhanced company image
Companies known for their focus on employee wellbeing often have a better reputation. This positive image can attract not only potential employees but also customers and business partners who prefer to associate with companies that treat their employees well.
6. Improved workplace atmosphere
A focus on wellbeing can create a more positive and supportive workplace atmosphere. When the work environment is more pleasant, potential conflicts and issues that arise in stressful work settings may be reduced.
8 pillars of employee wellbeing
Companies and employers can create a dynamic workplace by focusing on several key areas of employee wellbeing. Each pillar plays a vital role in ensuring that employees feel supported, healthy, and happy in their work environment, contributing to a more productive, creative, and successful organization.
1. Cultivate purpose to increase motivation
Ensure that employees understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture. When they feel their efforts are meaningful and valued, this sense of purpose can boost their motivation and satisfaction with their jobs.
💙 Lead by example for your employees by focusing on creating Purposeful Work.
2. Promote physical health for overall wellbeing
Physical health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing, so encourage a healthy lifestyle among employees. Provide opportunities for physical activity, whether through gym memberships, organized sports teams, or encouraging walking meetings. Also, consider offering healthier food options, along with indulgent treats.
💙 Encourage your employees to take Mindful Walks during their breaks so that they return to their desks more energized.
3. Focus on career growth to improve satisfaction
Offer opportunities for professional growth and development. Training programs and mentorship opportunities are great ways to promote career progression. Employees should feel they have the chance to grow and advance in their careers.
💙 Speak to your employees about the importance of Growth-Setting in addition to goal-setting.
4. Support employees' emotional wellbeing
Create an environment where mental health is taken seriously. Offer resources like counseling services, stress management workshops, or Calm Business resources to support employees. Ensure that the workplace is a space where people feel they can talk about their mental health without fear of judgment.
💙 Vocalize to your employees the importance of taking breaks, even if it’s just a quick minute to Pause to Breathe in between meetings.
5. Build community in the workplace
Organize team-building activities and social events that help employees connect with each other on a personal level. A strong sense of community can enhance teamwork and make the workplace more enjoyable.
6. Ensure financial security for all employees
Financial stress can significantly impact an employee’s overall wellbeing, so always pay fair and competitive wages. Offer financial planning resources or workshops to help staff feel financially secure and supported.
7. Encourage individual social interaction
Create opportunities for positive social interactions among employees. This can be through informal gatherings, interest-based clubs, or collaborative projects. Positive social relationships at work can lead to a more enjoyable and cooperative work environment.
8. Promote work-life balance
Encourage employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and their personal lives. This might be through flexible working hours, the option to work remotely, or ensuring that overtime isn’t a regular expectation.
💙 Encourage employees to practice a Shut Down Routine at the end of the day, helping them to intentionally transition into their free time.
Workplace wellbeing FAQs
How can companies assess and measure the overall wellbeing of their employees?
Seeking feedback: Companies can assess and measure employee wellbeing through methods like regular surveys, asking employees to provide feedback on their satisfaction, stress levels, work-life balance, and other wellbeing factors.
Establish focus groups: Another approach is conducting interviews or focus groups, allowing for more in-depth discussions about wellbeing.
Monitor metrics: Additionally, monitoring workplace metrics like absenteeism, turnover rates, and productivity can provide insights into the overall wellbeing of the workforce.
Implement positive change: Importantly, ensuring confidentiality and using the gathered information to make meaningful changes are crucial for these assessments to be effective.
What are 3 common workplace problems?
Three common problems in the workplace include poor communication, inadequate work-life balance, and limited opportunities for growth.
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, decreased morale, and inefficiencies.
Inadequate work-life balance often results in burnout, reduced productivity, and health problems.
Limited growth opportunities can cause employee dissatisfaction and higher levels of staff turnover, as employees feel stagnant and unchallenged in their roles.
What are the 5 areas of wellbeing?
The five key areas of wellbeing are physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial.
Physical wellbeing involves maintaining good health through activities like exercise and proper nutrition.
Mental wellbeing focuses on cognitive health and includes aspects like learning new skills and problem-solving.
Emotional wellbeing is about managing feelings and maintaining a positive mood.
Social wellbeing involves building strong relationships and feeling connected to others.
Financial wellbeing is about effectively managing financial resources to reduce stress and insecurity related to money.
How can employees actively contribute to creating a culture of wellbeing within their workplace?
Employees can contribute to a culture of wellbeing by actively participating in wellbeing programs and initiatives offered by their employer. They can also offer feedback and suggestions on wellbeing strategies, helping to tailor these programs to their needs. Moreover, employees can support their colleagues' wellbeing efforts, such as being understanding of work-life balance needs or participating in group wellness activities.
Creating a supportive environment where wellbeing is a shared responsibility can significantly enhance the overall workplace atmosphere.
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