What is Employee Wellbeing?

Healthy people make healthy businesses, so understanding employee wellbeing is a good place to start.

Employee wellbeing is so much more than just physical health. It encompasses mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, as well as job satisfaction and work-life balance. Employee wellbeing is a concept that recognises that an employee's overall state of being and quality of life significantly impacts their performance, productivity, and engagement at work. Understanding the components of employee wellbeing is hugely important for organisations striving to create a thriving workplace culture with a happy, healthy culture. 

What is employee wellbeing?

In a nutshell, employee wellbeing is a concept that refers to the overall state of an employee's health and happiness. This includes: 

Physical health
Everything from basic health needs like access to healthcare and a safe working environment to wellness initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles. Physical health is often the starting point for wellbeing programmes that focus on reducing illness and injury, promoting fitness, and managing chronic conditions.

Job satisfaction
Feeling valued and fulfilled in your job role is such an important aspect of wellbeing. Job satisfaction comes with knowing what is expected from you, having clear goals and knowing there are opportunities for professional growth. Getting recognition for achievements and having a sense of purpose in the work being done can go a long way in contributing to overall employee wellbeing. 

Mental health
This aspect of wellbeing addresses issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, which has the potential to have a significant impact on an employee's ability to perform their job. Mental health support can include access to counselling, stress management programmes, and initiatives that promote a positive work environment and is becoming much more of a focus for employers around the world. 

Work-life balance
Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and time-off policies, empower employees to manage their personal and professional commitments much more effectively. Achieving a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal life is one of the key factors for long-term wellbeing.

Support from employers
By creating a positive and supportive work environment, employers can significantly impact employees' overall health and happiness. Whether that be by providing resources, implementing flexible policies, or demonstrating genuine care for employees' wellbeing, a supportive employer can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and empower employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

Why is employee wellbeing important?

A thriving workforce is a key driver of organisational success, so prioritising employee wellbeing has a number of benefits, including:

Employee wellbeing drives increased productivity and performance
Employees who are physically and mentally healthy are more likely to perform at their best because they are more focused, creative, and engaged, which can lead to higher levels of productivity and better overall performance. Organisations that invest in employee wellbeing often see a return in the form of improved work output and efficiency.

Employee wellbeing contributes to reduced absenteeism and staff turnover
Did you know that poor health, stress, and burnout are major contributors to absenteeism and employee turnover? By prioritising wellbeing, companies can reduce the incidences of illness-related absences and the associated costs that come with it. It is commonly known that a supportive work environment can increase employee loyalty which in turn reduces turnover and the costs associated with hiring and training new staff.

Employee wellbeing means strong engagement and satisfaction
It doesn’t come as a surprise that wellbeing initiatives can boost employee morale and job satisfaction, which can make employees feel valued and supported. When employees feel their wellbeing is prioritised, they are more likely to be engaged with their work, which leads to higher levels of job satisfaction and overall happiness.

Employee wellbeing drives positive workplace culture
A positive workplace culture, that focuses on respect, collaboration, and a sense of community, is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to the organisation.

What can organisations do to promote employee wellbeing?

The best way to make sure that employee wellbeing is a priority - make it an integral part of your organisation’s culture. While each employee can do their bit to take care of their health, HR and leadership can encourage wellbeing by emphasising it as a work value. 

Work-life balance - Balancing work and life is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining employee morale. Encouraging social connection and fun activities can help employees recharge and return to work refreshed.

Cultivating a culture of gratitude - This not only strengthens relationships and boosts morale, but creates a positive work environment. Recognising and appreciating employees' contributions creates a sense of purpose and belonging, and even recognition programmes, whether through formal awards or simple thank-you notes, can go a long way in making employees feel appreciated.

Encourage mindfulness - Mindfulness practices equip employees with tools to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall wellbeing. Creating dedicated spaces for relaxation and reflection supports individual and team wellness.

Offer professional development opportunities - Providing opportunities for learning and development not only enhances skills and career prospects but also contributes to job satisfaction and personal growth. 

How GoodShape supports employee wellbeing

GoodShape is a platform that provides organisations with the tools to monitor and enhance employee wellbeing from many angles. We complement Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) by offering tools that provide insights into employee health and absence trends that help businesses identify areas where employees may need additional support and enable proactive measures to address potential issues.

For example, GoodShape’s absence management software can help track the reasons behind absences, such as stress or illness, allowing employers to tailor their wellbeing initiatives accordingly. This can include offering specific mental health resources, adjusting workloads, or implementing stress management programmes. 

Employee wellbeing is an essential component of a thriving workplace, offering benefits that extend beyond individual health to include enhanced productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a positive workplace culture. For organisations, investing in employee wellbeing is not just a moral imperative; it's a strategic decision that can lead to long-term success.

If you want to find out more about how GoodShape can support your business by promoting employee wellbeing, you can get in touch with us.