Why Is Wellbeing Important In The Workplace?

Jan 135 min read

Woman with worried expression sits at cluttered desk in an office, under lamp light. Clock and papers in the background.

Many of us have felt stressed and unhappy at work. It's a common struggle that can really take its toll. Poor mental health costs UK employers a whopping £45 billion each year. That's a staggering amount! Our blog will show you why wellbeing at work truly matters and how we can all make it better.

After all, we spend so much of our lives at work - shouldn't it be a place where we can thrive? Let's explore why wellbeing is so important in the workplace and what we can do to boost it.

What Is Wellbeing in the Workplace?

Workplace wellbeing is about creating a healthy and happy work environment. It covers mental and physical health, job satisfaction, and safety at work. We focus on key areas like work-life balance, stress management, and fair treatment.

Our goal is to make sure everyone feels valued and supported.

A healthy workplace is one where workers and managers actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of all employees. - World Health Organization

Wellbeing at work isn't just a nice extra - it's vital. In the UK, mental health issues are the top reason for sick days. That's why we put wellbeing first. We want to build a culture where people can thrive, not just survive.

This means offering flexible work options, mental health support, and creating an inclusive space for all.

The Impact of Wellbeing on Job Performance

Wellbeing at work boosts job performance. Happy staff work harder and take fewer sick days.

Increased motivation and productivity

We've seen a clear link between employee wellbeing and job performance. Happy workers are more driven and get more done. The World Health Organization's 2023 report backs this up. It shows that good wellbeing programmes can boost productivity by up to 20%.

That's a big jump!

Our staff's mental health plays a key role in their work output. When we focus on wellbeing, we see better teamwork and more creative ideas. This isn't just good for our people – it's great for business too.

Firms that put wellbeing first tend to do better on the stock market. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism

Motivated employees tend to show up more often and work better. This leads us to another key benefit of workplace wellbeing: reduced absenteeism and presenteeism. Absenteeism means missing work, while presenteeism is being at work but not fully productive.

Both issues cost UK employers a lot – between £33 billion and £45 billion each year.

Mental health plays a big role here. Depression and anxiety often cause people to miss work or struggle when they're there. That's why supporting mental health at work is so important.

Companies that do this see fewer absences and more productive staff. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Workplaces that support mental health initiatives experience reductions in absenteeism and presenteeism.

The Role of Wellbeing in Shaping Company Culture

Wellbeing shapes company culture by creating a positive work environment. It boosts employee engagement and job satisfaction, leading to a happier, more productive team.

Promotes a positive working environment

We know that a positive working environment boosts employee morale and productivity. It's a key part of workplace wellbeing that helps staff feel valued and supported. Companies with strong wellbeing programmes see an 89% employee recommendation rate.

This shows how much staff appreciate efforts to create a good work atmosphere.

A positive environment also leads to better business results. Firms that put wellbeing first report a 10% rise in customer satisfaction. Happy employees tend to give better service, which keeps clients happy too.

It's clear that investing in staff wellness pays off – for every £1 spent, companies can see a £6 return. That's why more businesses are focusing on creating upbeat, healthy workplaces.

Enhances employee engagement and satisfaction

We've seen how wellbeing boosts employee engagement and satisfaction. Happy staff are more likely to stay put and work harder. A Gallup poll from 2023 shows that 61% of workers view wellbeing perks as a big reason to stick around.

This matters a lot for keeping our best people and cutting down on costly turnover.

Our focus on staff wellbeing pays off in many ways. It leads to a 21% jump in profits, which is huge for any business. We also notice less time off and fewer sick days when we look after our team's health.

This all adds up to a stronger workplace culture where people feel valued and want to give their best. Let's look at some key ways to improve workplace wellbeing....

Strategies to Improve Workplace Wellbeing

We can boost workplace wellbeing with smart strategies. Flexible hours and mental health support make a big difference.

Providing flexibility and work-life balance

We've seen a big shift in how people work lately. More and more workers want flexible hours and better work-life balance. In fact, 41% of staff say flexible work helps them balance their job and personal life.

It's not just talk – 40% of hotel bosses have had more requests for flexible work in the last three years.

Flexible work isn't just nice to have – it's good for mental health too. A solid 34% of workers feel that flexible patterns boost their mental wellbeing. The UK government is taking note.

They're looking at letting staff ask for flexible work from day one on the job. This could be a game-changer for work-life balance across the country.

Offering mental health support

We've seen a big shift in how companies support mental health. A whopping 39% of workers felt their mental health got worse when employers didn't help during the pandemic. That's why offering mental health support is crucial.

It's not just about being nice – it's smart business. When we give our team the right tools, they're happier and more productive.

Mental health training for managers is key. It helps them spot issues early and offer the right support. Some companies, like Burgh Island Hotel, go the extra mile. They provide mental health programmes, chances to learn new skills, and even staff housing.

These perks make workers feel valued and cared for. Next, let's look at how flexibility can boost workplace wellbeing.

Conclusion

Workplace wellbeing isn't just a nice-to-have – it's a must. It boosts our productivity, cuts down on sick days, and makes our jobs more enjoyable. By focusing on staff wellness, we create a positive work culture that keeps talented people around.

Let's make wellbeing a top priority in our workplaces. It's good for us, and it's great for business too.

FAQs

1. Why does employee wellbeing matter?

Employee wellbeing boosts productivity, cuts absenteeism, and improves job satisfaction. Happy workers are more engaged, creative, and loyal to their company.

2. How can firms promote workplace wellbeing?

Firms can offer flexible hours, mental health support, and fitness programmes. Regular check-ins, stress management workshops, and a positive work culture also help.

3. What are the signs of poor wellbeing at work?

Look for increased sick days, low morale, and high staff turnover. Poor communication, conflicts, and decreased output often signal wellbeing issues.

4. Can workplace wellbeing affect a company's bottom line?

Yes, it can. Good wellbeing leads to higher profits, better customer service, and a stronger brand image. It's a win-win for both staff and the business.