By Siti Rashidah Yusoff, Lecturer, School of American Degree Program
What exactly is employee wellbeing?
The term “wellbeing” refers to a state of mind that extends beyond physical health. It is a person’s attitude toward different aspects of their life, including their personal life, health, relationships, and work. When anyone feels in control of their happiness, fitness, and sense of purpose, they are said to be in good health.
Blessings of employee wellbeing
More productivity:
Employee wellbeing boosts productivity and performance.
When feeling well, employees display healthier behaviours and better decision making. Productivity and efficiency are boosted when employees are happy. Employees that are in good health exhibit healthy habits and make better decisions.
Higher employee morale:
When employees’ needs are met on all levels, including physical, emotional, and financial, they feel more knowledgeable and respected.
Better talent:
When the business has a positive image in the market as an employer that values and promotes work-life balance, you’ll be able to recruit qualified workers and keep your current employees for longer periods of time.
Improved CRM:
Employees who are happy with their jobs are the biggest brand ambassadors. The positive energy can be passed on to your customers if you handle them well. Those workers will be inspired to learn how your goods and services will better meet the needs of your customers.
Obstacles to sustaining wellbeing at work
Workload:
Employees with heavy workloads due to understaffing or urgent business needs get often stressed about meeting deadlines.
Reduced social support:
When competition is high and your performance is always compared to your peers’, lack in self – esteem and toxic
relationships arise and can be difficult to resolve quickly.
Task clarity:
Without clarity in work, employees feel confused and struggle in determining priorities or setting smart goals.
Motivation:
We sometimes overlook that work should be a positive experience; employees are not merely reinforced by their monthly paycheck to keep up the good work. The more they enjoy what they do and take pride in it, the better results they’ll deliver.
So, if most of their daily tasks are dull, employees might feel less motivated to go the extra mile.
How to encourage workplace wellness goals
Create a productive environment:
Prevent fatigue and headaches with good lighting, stimulate brain function with inspiring colors and encourage employees to take walks with pictures of nature.
Encourage balance:
There are many reasons why a balanced workday makes for a more productive workday.
i. Encourage your staff to single-task instead of multitasking.
ii. Ideas for workplace wellness initiatives
It’s important not to force employees to engage in your wellness initiative, but also to be inclusive. Try to factor in health conditions and disabilities and adapt accordingly. It is also worth having a holistic approach to your initiatives. Health isn’t just about salads and jogging. If it encompasses emotional and works health, as well as physical, it will be more sustainable and balanced.
Exercise and Fitness:
It might seem strange to encourage exercising initiatives at the office, after all, it’s hard to work when we’re not at our desks, but research has shown that devoting work time to exercise can lead to higher productivity. Even a brief
walk around the desks could help, but there are more interesting ways to get people moving at work.
i. Walk or bike to work
ii. On-site yoga classes for stress relief
iii. Walking meetings