Employee well-being – advice on how to make it better in your organization
The past few years have seen a significant increase in work-related stress and health issues, according to new research. Workplace well-being has become a critical issue, and it is crucial for companies to explore new approaches and tools to support their employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this problem, with employees now facing new challenges, including personal issues, financial worries, climate change, and many more.
What the data shows
The latest data from the UK’s Healthiest Workplace survey has revealed a surge in mental ill health and anxiety among employees, as well as a rise in sickness absences and presenteeism. It also highlights the impact of trends such as remote working, with employees who can adopt a hybrid working pattern reporting higher levels of job satisfaction and lower levels of presenteeism and absenteeism.
The wellness industry has grown significantly over the years, offering programs and tools to improve employees’ health. However, experts warn that there is little rigorous research on the effectiveness of such interventions. They point out that addressing the leading causes of workplace stress is critical to improve employee well-being.
What does an employee need?
Interesting work, relationships, flexibility, mentoring, individual autonomy, and a sense of purpose are top drivers of employee well-being at work. Employers have already taken up some wider issues to improve well-being in recent years. Those that performed best had already appointed chief medical officers before the pandemic began and introduced strategies for physical and mental well-being, including plans for more flexible working. However, line managers face difficulties fostering a more supportive work culture while struggling with the same problems as their subordinates.
How to start a well-being program
Not all companies have sufficient resources to hire well-being specialists, but it is still worth implementing this type of policy in the organization despite the limited resources. A good starting point may be investing in tools that support this approach within the company. To facilitate employees’ autonomy in choosing their mode and place of work, the DigitalHQ platform was created. This platform enables transparent work scheduling that defines the time and place of work (either remotely or on-site). Moreover, the platform allows for convenient desk or parking space booking during office work hours. The DigitalHQ platform has been designed to foster relationships between colleagues, displaying information on coworkers that are planning to work from the office on a given day. Additionally, the app incorporates a module that allows viewing and signing up for classes and activities organized by the company. This feature promotes team integration, resulting in improved communication among employees.
In conclusion, employee well-being is a critical issue that requires attention and action from employers. While the wellness industry offers programs and tools to improve employee health, experts suggest that addressing the main structural causes of workplace stress is critical to improve employee well-being. Employers must foster a supportive work culture by providing interesting work, relationships, flexibility, mentoring, individual autonomy, and a sense of purpose. To do so, consider implementing the right tools, which are affordable to implement and can significantly increase job satisfaction, reduce stress, and help bond and strengthen relationships among employees.