Whose Responsibility Is It Really??

Dear Friends,??

Throughout 2024, I’ve had countless conversations with business leaders about the relationship between workplace wellbeing and performance, engagement, and retention.??

While some leaders recognise the need to invest in it, they often don’t shy away from expressing their frustration.??

I’ve heard comments like:??

• “Why do we need to spend money on this?”??
• “Shouldn’t people just look after themselves?”??
• “Isn’t this just about individual resilience?”??
• “Isn’t stress part of life? They should just get on with it.”??

It’s a perspective I understand—there’s pressure to meet targets, manage costs, and keep the business running. But let me ask you this:??

What if we’re looking at the wrong culprit???

Shifting the Perspective??

I’ve found that this frustration often stems from a misunderstanding of what workplace wellbeing truly means. It’s not about pampering employees with perks or expecting them to meditate their way out of a toxic work environment. It’s about recognising that the workplace itself—the systems, culture, and leadership—can either support or hinder mental health and performance.??

Blaming individuals for not “looking after themselves” ignores the critical role that work plays in shaping their ability to do so. A stressed employee, overwhelmed by role conflict or poor supervision, isn’t going to magically find calm just because we encourage them to practise mindfulness.??

?A Better Approach??

When organisations invest in workplace wellbeing, they’re not just doing it for their employees— they’re doing it for their business. Here’s why:??

• Better Wellbeing = Higher Engagement??
• Employees who feel supported show up with energy and commitment.??
• Lower Turnover and Costs??
• Healthy, valued employees stay longer, reducing recruitment and training expenses.??
• Improved Reputation??

??Companies that care about their people attract top talent and foster loyalty.??

To achieve these outcomes, leaders must go beyond surface-level initiatives. It’s about taking a strategic, comprehensive, and systematic approach.??

And yes, it’s a journey. But it’s a worthwhile one—because when we create workplaces that empower people to succeed, everyone benefits.??

What Do You Think???

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