In 2022, workplace wellness will become the new metric for organisations, according to the Harvard Business Review. This means that companies will assess not only their employees’ satisfaction and engagement levels, but also their mental, physical, and financial health. There are many ways in which your organisation can use this information to improve its culture and, in turn, its bottom line.
In Australia, we are seeing more and more workplaces implementing wellness initiatives to improve the overall well-being of their employees. If you’re looking for ways to improve your company culture with workplace wellness, read on!
What is workplace wellness?
Workplace wellness is a term that is used to describe the overall well-being of employees in the workplace. This includes measures of mental, physical, and financial health. In order to assess workplace wellness, organisations will use different metrics, such as employee satisfaction or engagement levels. The goal of workplace wellness is to promote a culture of health and well-being in the workplace.
There are many reasons why workplace wellness will become increasingly important in 2022. For one, employers are beginning to see the link between employee health and productivity. In fact, according to a study by the University of Warwick, “a sick worker costs a company on average $2,500 per year”. Not only that, but unhealthy employees can also lead to increased absenteeism and presenteeism.
Another reason why workplace wellness will be important in 2022 is because of the increasing awareness of mental health issues. According to the World Health Organization, “mental disorders account for more than a third of all disability worldwide”. This means that organisations need to find ways to support the mental health of their employees.
Finally, workplace wellness is important because it can help to improve employee retention. In a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, it was found that “employees who feel their company cares about their health and well-being are three times more likely to stay with their current employer”.
The benefits of workplace wellness
There are many benefits to implementing workplace wellness initiatives in your organisation. These benefits can be seen in both the short-term and long-term. In the short term, employees who are more engaged and satisfied with their work are more productive. This increased productivity can lead to improved organisational performance. In the long term, employees who have a culture of health and well-being are more likely to stay with the organisation. This increased retention can lead to improved organisational performance over time.
How to create a culture of workplace wellness
There are many different ways in which you can improve workplace wellness in your organisation. Some common workplace wellness initiatives include:
Implementing flexible work arrangements
We’ve previously discussed the benefits of implementing flexible work arrangements in your organisation. Employees who have flexible work arrangements are more productive and engaged. They are also less likely to experience burnout. In addition, flexible work arrangements can help to improve employee retention.
Providing access to mental health resources
There are many benefits to providing employees with access to mental health resources. First and foremost, it sends the message that the organisation cares about the well-being of its employees. In addition, it can help to reduce stress levels and improve productivity. Finally, providing access to mental health resources can also help to improve employee retention.
Offering financial wellness programs
In a study by the Financial Planning Association, it was found that “employees who receive financial planning services are more productive, have lower stress levels, and are absent less often”. Financial wellness programs can also help to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.
Promoting physical activity through corporate fitness programs or onsite gyms
There are many benefits to promoting physical activity for employees. First and foremost, it can help to improve employee productivity. According to a study by the University of Bristol, “employees who undertake regular physical activity have improved work performance, as measured by cognitive function and decision-making ability”. In addition, physical activity can also help to reduce stress levels and improve mood. This can lead to increased creativity, morale and productivity in the workplace.
Each organisation is different, so it’s important to tailor your workplace wellness initiatives to meet the needs of your employees. By doing this, you’ll be able to create a culture of health and well-being that will benefit both your employees and your organisation as a whole.
Steps to implement workplace wellness initiatives at work
Once you’ve decided on the workplace wellness initiatives you want to implement, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure their success:
Set goals and objectives
The first step is to set goals and objectives for your workplace wellness initiatives. This will help to ensure that they are aligned with the overall strategy of your organisation. It will also help you to measure the success of your initiatives.
Develop a plan
The next step is to develop a plan for how you will implement your workplace wellness initiatives. This plan should include who will be responsible for each initiative, what resources are required, and when each initiative will be implemented.
Implement the initiatives
Once you have developed a plan, it’s time to implement your workplace wellness initiatives. This is where you will put your plan into action and start seeing results.
Monitor and evaluate
Finally, it’s important to monitor and evaluate the progress of your workplace wellness initiatives. This will help you to make adjustments as needed and ensure that they are having the desired effect on your employees.
Summing it all up
Your employees are the heart of your organisation, so it’s important to take care of them. By implementing workplace wellness initiatives, you’ll be able to improve their health and wellbeing, which will benefit both them and your organisation as a whole.
Need help putting together a wellness initiative for your workplace? Get in touch with ChandlerWoods to learn more about how we can help you create a culture of health and well-being in your workplace.
We have a team of experts who can help you to implement the right initiatives for your organisation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a culture of wellness in your workplace.