The increasing importance of employee health and wellbeing cannot be overstated. Employee wellbeing encompasses improving employee health, decreasing absenteeism numbers, and increasing productivity. Employers have an obligation to promote employee wellbeing with policies such as flexible working arrangements, leave, menopause management and fertility support programs, as we have discovered through research. We have examined how employee wellness can add value to any organization.
Employee wellbeing refers to employees’ overall physical, mental, emotional and economic health. Recently, employee wellbeing has evolved to encompass all aspects of working life rather than simply physical health or working environment – meaning more factors may impact on an employee’s wellbeing outside the workplace as a result of homeworking since the pandemic. Employers face new challenges in maintaining employee wellness in response to increased homeworking.
What is Employee Wellbeing?
Why does employee wellbeing matter so much?
1. Productivity
There is a direct relationship between employee wellbeing and productivity. An effective workplace wellbeing program can prove mutually beneficial for employers and their staff alike. An employer that takes good care in looking after their staff will experience reduced sickness absences, increased operational effectiveness as a result of higher productivity, better engagement from staff members and improved resilience – as well as decreased sickness absences! They should ensure policies and procedures exist to enhance communication with staff while increasing engagement levels amongst them as well as employee engagement levels and satisfaction rates.
2. Recruitment and Employee Retention
Employees looking for new roles often appreciate wellbeing initiatives and an employment setting which promotes work-life balance. Employers that provide non-financial benefits such as positive work cultures with emphasis on work-life balance will likely draw more applicants when searching for candidates; such benefits could prove vital recruitment tools in today’s fiercely competitive job market for top talent.
3. Reputation
Employers that prioritize workplace wellbeing and take good care in providing employee care will enjoy greater market presence. Employee wellbeing policies also promote diversity, equality, and inclusion strategies that ensure an inclusive workforce. Organizations which demonstrate their employee wellness policies are up-to-date while looking at innovative and modern solutions such as modern technology will become more attractive to employees, clients, and customers.
4. Your Legal Duty
Employers have a legal responsibility towards their employees and must do everything reasonably possible to support employee wellbeing, health, and safety. An employer should make the workplace safe from discrimination as well as ensure mental and physical health conditions are treated equally by treating mental and physical conditions equally – this proactive attitude by employers will reduce complaints such as constructive unfair dismissal or discrimination claims.
