Workplace Wellbeing: How and Why Businesses Should Cultivate It

Workplace wellbeing is at the forefront of business success, especially in the human era of employment where value, purpose, and happiness are essential to attracting and retaining talent. As a result, the pillars of the profits first agenda have crumbled, and the workforce has shifted to cultivate and embrace a culture of wellbeing.

What Exactly is Workplace Wellbeing?

Although tricky to navigate, workplace wellbeing is not a single aspect. Instead, it integrates and initiates a positive change to all major elements of the working life - from how your employees feel about their job to the working environment and work-life balance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to people, and communication is key to unlocking positive change. Finding solutions, being open to feedback and criticism, and taking actionable measures to ensure employees are satisfied go a long way in fostering wellbeing in the workplace. 

Six core pillars promote workplace wellbeing: 

• Job security
  
• Financial security
  
• Health
  
• Support
  
• Protection and safety 
  
• Work/life balance

How Promoting Workplace Wellbeing Affects Your Employees

Increased Productivity: Studies have shown that healthy and happy employees are more productive in the workplace.

Reduced absenteeism: Happier and healthier employees are less likely to take time off due to health or injury-related reasons. Maintaining a safe working environment to maintain workplace wellbeing doesn't only mean putting physical protection measures in place. High levels of stress and fatigue are significant contributors to poor employee health.

Better staff retention and recruitment: When your employees feel valued and safe, they show more loyalty to your company and are less likely to resign, even if a better financial opportunity comes along. New-age employees are placing purpose-over-paycheck, and having a good company culture that emphasizes wellbeing makes you more attractive to job seekers.

Increased customer experience: A big part of customer experience is how they are treated and made to feel by employees. When an employee is happy in the workplace, that energy translates to how they engage with customers. A friendly, helpful attitude and passion for the product or service can make customers feel special and keep them coming back for more.

How can businesses foster and promote workplace wellbeing?

Whether your staff are behind a desk, out on-site, or even working remotely on the other end of the world, you can maintain workplace wellbeing with these tips:

Support the idea of work-life balance: Work-life balance is sought after by many employees, and for good reason. Root causes of employee dissatisfaction are fatigue and outside work unhappiness. This can be achieved by encouraging time off and flexible working hours to accommodate school runs or doctor appointments. Working from home when possible is also an option that is gaining popularity.

Get feedback from your employees: Often, you won't know your employees are unhappy unless you ask them. Employee feedback is essential, whether on financial security, safety concerns, work distribution. Of course, not all of their issues can be resolved, but taking the time to talk it through with them and finding a middle ground will show your talent that they are valued. 

Be upfront: Keep employees in the loop about changes within the company and how they might affect people. For example, have one-on-one conversations about financial and job security to clear out any doubt or provide reassurance. 

Reward and recognize employees' hard work: Most people want recognition and not to feel like they are just a number. Rewards and incentives are also a great way to motivate staff and show them appreciation. 

Being OHS compliant: Occupational Health and Safety compliance is required by all companies, regardless of their size and industry. Adhering to the latest safety laws and regulations will make your employees feel more confident, knowing their company is taking the precautions to protect them in every way possible. When employees feel safe and protected, they feel greater job satisfaction and are more inclined to adhere to safety policies, resulting in fewer incidents and industries.

Breaking the Barriers

Employees are demanding more from organizations, and financial gains are simply not enough to retain great talent. People want to feel valued and stable to be informed.

The ideal recipe combines open communication and the ability to adapt a genuine appreciation for your talent's personal and professional wellbeing. ScreenCloud digital signage lets you reach and communicate with every employee whether they are desk based or if you employ deskless workers.