7 Most Important Reasons To Offer Employee Wellbeing At Work

The modern workplace has significantly transformed. Unlike in the past where the employee-employer relationship was defined only by a salary, these days many companies are increasingly investing in the well-being of their employees. Businesses of all sizes and types understand that a happy employee is equivalent to higher profits, and so they are focusing on their employees' physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Nowadays, organizations are also focusing or working with remote workers, as this is something that employees are preferring because it enables them to have a work-life balance, rather than working on a strict schedule. Let's look at 7 most crucial reasons to provide employee well-being at work.

1. Upholding of Healthy Behaviors
The primary goal of every effective well-being program is to foster behavior change. People are more inclined to change behaviors when they are offered the right training, necessary skills and tools, proper writing platforms for copywriters, and adequate social support. By implementing well-being programs at work, employees can embrace and uphold healthy behaviors. Healthy behaviors reduce health risks, which translate to lower health care costs for workers.

2. Enhances Employee Productivity
Low employee productivity, also known as presenteeism, refers to being physically at the workstation but not doing any meaningful work. The cost of low productivity because of poor employee health is 2 to 3 times higher than the cost of health care. Effective well-being programs that help workers uphold healthy behaviors will have a positive effect on productivity in the end. They will result in healthy employees who'll engage in meaningful work-related activities rather than just being physically at work.

3. Lowers Absenteeism
Workplaces with all-inclusive well-being programs experience a reduction in absenteeism because of good health behaviors, better stress management strategies, healthy weight, and healthy blood pressure. Well-being programs capable of lowering absenteeism register a major saving in cost. In fact, a Harvard study found that on top of reducing absenteeism, well-being programs can save up to $2.73 for every $1 they invest in well-being. What's more, well-being has a positive impact on employee's morale, with workers who have high morale likely do more and meet their milestones.

4. Higher Employee Satisfaction
Companies that emphasize employee well-being build a favorable environment for employees to communicate, collaborate, and feel respected and appreciated. Well-being programs help workers understand that they are an important part of the company and the company is committed to their health and development. All these factors go a long way in making workers more satisfied and happier in their jobs.

Pro Tip: With the upsurge of café-culture, the kitchen has become the heart of any modern office. It provides a space where employees can engage in thoughtful conversations over coffee. So, it's important to make this space as comfortable as possible and available to everyone. " An adequate recreational, and also coworking space will greatly increase employee satisfaction, which will undoubtedly translate into greater employee engagement and productivity." - say experts from Solid Construction & Design.

5. Enhances Staff Hiring and Retention
By putting well-being programs in place, companies become more appealing to both current and potential employees. While potential workers search for well-paying jobs, they also focus on identifying companies that invest in the happiness of their employees. In addition to attracting the right talent, well-being packages also enhance staff retention. Employees want to feel safe in their jobs and respected within the company. When an organization hosts a well-being workshop and invites a competent speaker, they're directly investing in their workforce's future with the organization. The worker is confident that the company respects them as people and values their health. Employees who enjoy better well-being both at a personal and professional level are less likely to seek job opportunities elsewhere.

6. Improves Company Culture
Well-being programs impact the company culture positively. According to a recent survey, up to 77 percent of employees believe that companies that invest in the physical and emotional well-being of their employees have better culture. These programs improve company culture by creating an opportunity for workers to come together, interact with each other, and build deeper connections. They also make employees feel respected and appreciated by their employers.

7. Boosts Employee Engagement
Organizations that offer employee well-being in the workplace experience elevated employee engagement. The reason is that employees of such companies actively participate in well-being activities. They are also recognized and rewarded for their well-being achievements. What's more, employee ideas are sought and integrated into the company's well-being initiatives. Soliciting well-being ideas from employees is a fantastic way to motivate them and make them a fundamental part of the program.

Conclusion
Employee well-being initiatives have tons of benefits for companies and their employees. Workers who participate in these initiatives are healthier and content with their work. Consequently, they're always present at work, highly engaged, motivated, and productive, which translates to higher returns on investment (ROI) for the business. These programs also help companies attract new talented employees and retain existing ones.

WITI offers a wide array of Wellbeing classes for all levels and time constraints.

Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.