Balancing Act: Prioritising Wellbeing at Work
- Happy Healthy Holistic Team
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 min read
We've all heard the buzz surrounding workplace wellbeing, but did you know it's not just a "feel-good" concept? There's actual science-backed evidence that when we prioritise our wellbeing at work and pay attention to how we FEEL while doing our jobs, the benefits reach far beyond the individual; the whole organisation is set to benefit too.
Now, picture this: you stroll into the office, coffee in hand, ready to conquer the day. But hold on! What if the office wasn't just a place to work but also a space that had your back when it comes to your wellbeing? A place that values your physical health, mental sanity, and emotional happiness. That's the dream, right?
Well, it is a reality for some.
Accenture, for instance, offers flexibility to their employees, so they can choose to opt out to work in a non-Accenture environment. The company has an App-based “Accenture Active” initiative where employees are encouraged to choose a wellness goal. Support is given during the process and they are rewarded once the goal has been achieved. There are confidential support services available to help employees with issues like stress, substance abuse, depression and anxiety as well.
M&G is another great example of a company helping employees achieve work-life balance and prevent burnout.
M&G offers a flexible and family-friendly culture. Their dedicated Health and Wellbeing Hub provides access to resources for physical and mental health support. Mind Matters Network promotes mental health awareness and works to reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace. When the company understands that employee health and wellbeing matter, it creates a thriving, resilient, and high-performing workforce.
Providing health and wellbeing support for employees can be challenging for small businesses, but it’s not impossible.
Any company can offer hybrid working and flexible hours, encourage a healthy work culture, promote regular breaks, and reasonable workloads, and organise walking meetings, and mindfulness sessions at low or no cost. Small gestures like "Thank You" notes, extra time off, or employee appreciation events can boost morale without huge costs.
So what could be the benefits of a wellbeing programme for your company?
Increased productivity - employees who feel mentally and physically well are more engaged, motivated, and productive, contributing positively to organisational success.
Reduced absenteeism and high retention rates - organisations with high employee engagement and wellbeing experienced 41% lower absenteeism and 59% lower turnover rates. Happy and engaged employees stick around, saving companies from the costly cycle of recruitment and training.
Organisational culture impact - A survey by Deloitte found that 94% of executives believe a strong workplace culture is vital to business success. Wellbeing initiatives contribute significantly to shaping a positive culture, attracting top talent, and fostering a cohesive and engaged workforce.
Boosted morale and creativity – positive and healthy work environments foster innovation and creativity.
Strategies for creating workplace wellbeing culture
Flexible working
Wellbeing programmes
Open communication
Lead by example
Supportive environment
Mental health support
Physical and emotional health support services
Promoting Work-Life Balance
Are your organisation’s welfare policies aimed at enhancing the physical, mental, and emotional health of its employees? Do you believe that maintaining a work-life balance and overall wellness is essential? If these aspects aren’t being prioritised right now, it could be beneficial to think about implementing some of the strategies discussed earlier.
The evidence is crystal clear, workplace wellbeing isn't just a passing trend; it's a game-changer in the modern workplace. Organisations that prioritise employee wellbeing aren't just creating happier employees; they're creating more successful, resilient, and sustainable businesses.
Are you ready to prioritise your wellbeing at work? Join us on the journey to a more fulfilling and productive life.
Explore our wellbeing programmes and workshops today.
