Supporting your employees' health and well-being is not just a goodwill gesture - it's a strategic imperative that businesses must embed into their company's culture to succeed. Prioritising employee well-being translates into tangible business benefits and, by investing in health and well-being, companies can enhance productivity, foster innovation, and secure long-term success.
In this article, we speak to Company Wellness Coach, Tara Ryder from our sister company, Mindset & Body Therapy, who makes the business case for employee well-being and why you should be investing in your people...
Productivity Gains: A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. According to a study by the World Health Organisation, for every £1 invested in mental health treatment, there is a return of £4 in improved health and productivity. Employees who feel supported and healthy are more engaged and motivated, leading to higher levels of performance and lower rates of absenteeism.
Reduced Absenteeism: Companies that invest in employee well-being often see a reduction in employee sick days and absences. The Health and Safety Executive reports that work-related stress, depression, or anxiety accounts for 51% of all work-related ill health cases and 55% of all working days lost due to ill health in Great Britain. Implementing wellness programs that address stress, mental health, and physical fitness can significantly mitigate these expenses.
Enhanced Retention and Recruitment: In today’s competitive job market, top talent prioritises employers who value their health and well-being. A survey by Glassdoor found that 77% of respondents consider a company’s culture before applying, and a positive workplace environment is a key aspect of this. Companies that prioritise employee well-being attract high-calibre professionals and retain them longer, reducing turnover costs and maintaining institutional knowledge.
Tara explains “Employee wellness is not just about physical health; it's deeply rooted in psychological well-being. When we nurture the mind, we empower the individual, and in turn, we elevate the entire organisation". The physiological perspective of employee well-being must be considered.
Mental Fitness: Mental fitness is as crucial as physical fitness. Just as muscles need regular exercise to stay strong, the mind requires ongoing care and development. Companies that offer mental fitness programs such as mindfulness training, stress management workshops, and access to counselling services, empower employees to manage stress and enhance their cognitive function. This leads to better decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Work-Life Balance: Supporting employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for their mental well-being. Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows that employees who believe their employer supports work-life balance are more likely to be engaged, satisfied, and productive. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and family-friendly policies are all strategies that can help achieve this balance.
Tara also has some helpful and practical steps that business leaders can implement into their own wellness strategy:
Create a Culture of Well-being: Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture that prioritises health and wellbeing. This starts with executives demonstrating healthy behaviours and openly discussing the importance of mental and physical health. When leaders take the lead in well-being initiatives, it sets a tone that resonates throughout the organisation.
Implement Comprehensive Programs: Effective well-being programs are holistic, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health. Examples include on-site fitness areas, mental health days, nutrition workshops, and access to mental health professionals. Additionally, fostering an inclusive environment where employees feel safe discussing their confidential well-being needs is crucial.
Offer Regular Feedback and Improvement: Continuously soliciting employee feedback on well-being initiatives ensures that the programs remain relevant and effective. Surveys suggest that 42% of workers have never been asked to input on what well-being support they receive, whilst 41% state that they want better engagement and an improved workplace culture. Suggestion boxes and regular check-ins can provide valuable insights into what works and what needs improvement.
Investing in your employee's health and well-being is arguably the most important investment you can make in your business. It drives productivity, reduces costs, and enhances your ability to attract and retain top talent. More importantly, it fosters a thriving workplace where employees feel valued and motivated. As business leaders, prioritising employee well-being is not just about enhancing business performance - it's about building a sustainable, resilient, and forward-thinking organisation.
In the words of Richard Branson, "Take care of your employees, and they will take care of your business." Let's commit to making well-being a cornerstone of our corporate strategy, for the benefit of our employees and our businesses.
Tara Ryder
Company Wellness Coach & Founder
Mindset & Body Therapy
Our mission is to bring success and harmony to every leader in the world - Contact us to discuss how our coaching can do this for you and your team today!
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