Seren HR September Blog
?Andrea Ferguson - Chartered MCIPD ?
Senior HR Consultant providing calm, knowledgeable outsourced HR support for Business Owners, making employing people less stressful / Accredited Workplace Investigator
What is Wellbeing Washing and how can you avoid it?
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Is your business guilty of “wellbeing washing”?
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There’s often a disconnect between what employees expect from wellbeing support and what employers provide.
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A monthly pizza party or last-minute webinar just won’t cut it and employees see right through superficial gestures.
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Let’s dive into the phenomenon of ‘wellbeing washing’ and how to avoid it while genuinely making a difference.
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What is Wellbeing Washing?
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It’s when businesses claim to care about employee wellbeing but fail to deliver anything meaningful or focus on the human element.
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Instead of genuine support, they offer token gestures, like one-off yoga sessions, instead of real, lasting support. They tend to be reactive, offering services that ‘deal’ with issues as they arise, rather than addressing the root of the problem.
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On the flip side, employees crave meaningful changes like improved autonomy, job satisfaction, work-life balance and flexible working - far more positive for mental wellbeing than a slice of pizza!
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What’s the impact?
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Well-being washing is bad for business. It erodes trust and morale, and disillusioned employees may leave, affecting your business’s reputation and bottom line. Sincere efforts, on the other hand, boost satisfaction and retention.
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Here are some strategies to truly support your employee's wellbeing at work:
Pulse Surveys: Regularly ask employees what they need. Use their feedback to shape initiatives that tackle real issues like workload stress, lack of flexibility and workplace conflict.
Actionable Insights: Develop targeted programs based on survey results that provide meaningful support. If employees report high-stress levels or are overburdened with work, offer stress management workshops, counselling or workload reviews.
Lead by Example: Encourage leaders to model healthy behaviours, like taking breaks, maintaining work-life balance and participating in wellbeing activities. This sets a positive example for everyone and normalises the importance of well-being at work.
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Ongoing Support: Instead of one-off events, create continuous support systems, including regular mental health check-ins, dynamic flexible working options and fitness resources. Avoid focusing on the physical only; instead, support employees holistically, including their mental, financial and social well-being.
Career Wellbeing: Provide training, mentorship and clear pathways for promotion. When employees feel their personal and professional development is supported, their overall well-being improves.
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Recognition and Rewards: Regularly acknowledge and reward employees' hard work. Formal recognition programmes, bonuses or even a simple ‘thank you' can significantly boost employee morale and wellbeing.
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Avoid ‘wellbeing washing’ by genuinely committing to your employees’ wellbeing. Pay attention to their needs, embed well-being into your culture and support their growth. This leads to a more engaged and productive workforce - a win-win!
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Need a confidential chat to discuss this further?
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Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to talk about any aspect of your HR – I’m happy to help.
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DM me, call me 07904190652 or email [email protected]
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Chairman at Grace Care Consulting
5 个月Great blog. We are very fortunate at Grace Care Consulting to have worked with many employers who have supported their employees wellbeing by getting to the route of the issue and providing meaningful support to that individual. There are many great organisations out there, willing to invest and support their team and as a result their staff retention is fantastic.
?? Mental Health Expert Trainer, Speaker & Consultant | Founder of Honest Minds | Proudly Bipolar | Improving Workplace Wellbeing | Fighting the Good Fight for Mental Health | Mum of 2 legends?
5 个月Genuine mental health and wellbeing support is so important and I agree - it goes way beyond the odd yoga class, although who doesn't love a bit of yoga! The commercial advantages to more meaningful support are vast and more companies need to commit in more serious ways to wellbeing!
Strategic advisor helping small businesses discover new growth paths | Defence | Aviation | Construction | Nuclear
5 个月You’re right to highlight this Andrea. Your staff will see through superficial HR gestures! Conversely, invest in well-being and you will reap the benefits when it comes to attracting and retaining people.