Why Organisations Should Invest in Employee Wellness?

I started my career working in full-time jobs with various organizations, policy think tanks, mental health organizations, public health organizations, and non-profits.

As an employee, I worked hard, achieved the goals set for me, and did my best to contribute to the organization's progress and growth. But this ride wasn’t easy. It was full of ups and downs. There were some days when I was super productive. However, there were days when work-related stress took a toll on my well-being and overall productivity.?

Some of these jobs were very stressful and super demanding. And having a not-so-considerate manager often made them worse. There were multiple instances over the years where I had a mental breakdown because of work and I literally found myself cursing my manager, my colleagues, and my organization.?

Looking back at my journey as an employee, I realized how things could have been better if I was supported and had access to mental health care or wellness sessions.

Some of these organizations did give their employees health insurance, but that wasn’t enough. As an employee, I wanted mental health support, supportive team members, and a considerate manager.?

My journey as an employee made me choose employee wellness as my domain of work. I believe employees are the most neglected group of people when it comes to seeking support or accessing mental health care.?

Since the pandemic and changing work dynamics, there is a growing need to take care of employees’ wellness.?

I did some research and found some interesting statistics. According to WHO (2019), 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder. Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

In research conducted in India (India Fit Report 22-23), 26% of Indians are stressed due to their current work situation, and 17% are stressed due to their financial instability. The current work environment has become stressful with long working hours, lack of job security, low wages, and growing competition.?

In another research conducted with 14,600 employees, managers, HR leaders, and C-level executives, it was found that 36% of participants were experiencing declining mental health, 32% are lacking career motivation and 31% felt disconnected from their own lives.?

The hustle culture is making things worse. The new culture of prioritizing work, putting in long hours at work, pulling all-nighters, etc. is resulting in more and more people experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. Hustle culture is leading to burnout, as there is constant pressure to work hard and achieve more.?

Ever since the pandemic and changing dynamics at work and the promotion of hustle culture, it has become important for organizations to invest in their employee’s wellbeing.?

I am going to share five reasons why organizations should invest in employee wellness

1. Enhanced Employee Engagement

By investing in employee wellness, organizations show that they value, support, and care for their employees. This cultivates positive work culture and more dedication from employees. Employees experience a sense of belongingness.?

Engaged employees tend to be more committed to work, and show high levels of productivity and motivation. By investing in their well-being, organizations can inspire a deeper sense of loyalty and dedication, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.

1. Improved Productivity

Employees' health and overall well-being directly impact productivity and performance. Employees with good mental health and enhance well-being are more productive at their jobs.?

This can result in higher productivity levels as employees experience fewer absences, reduced presenteeism, and improved focus and concentration. Prioritizing employee well-being through initiatives such as wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and stress management resources can significantly impact overall organizational productivity.

1. Enhanced Talent Attraction and Retention

We are no longer living in an era where organizations can attract and retain talented employees by giving them lucrative salaries. Employees want more. They prefer working with organizations that are supportive, safe and invest in their well-being.?

By investing in employee well-being, organizations gain a competitive edge. A reputation for valuing employee wellness can attract high-quality candidates who are more likely to align with the organization's values and contribute positively to its success.?

Sixty-seven percent of employees who work for organizations with wellness programs like their jobs more, and they are just as likely to recommend the company to others.?

1. Healthier Work Environment

By investing in employees' well-being, organizations promote healthy and safe work environments. supporting mental health through counseling services, mindfulness programs, and work-life balance initiatives can contribute to a positive workplace culture. A healthy work environment leads to reduced stress levels, improved morale, and better collaboration among employees.

1. Better Work-Life Balance

Organizations that invest in their employees' well-being understand the importance of work-life balance. By offering flexible work arrangements, paid time off, and family-friendly policies, organizations empower employees to manage their personal and professional responsibilities effectively.?

This balance reduces stress levels, prevents burnout, and allows employees to be more present and focused when they are at work. In a research, it was found that 87% of employees expect support from employers in achieving work-life balance.

Well, these are some reasons why organizations should invest in employee wellness. Let's also look at the statistics.?

In a study done on the ROI of employee wellness programs, Harvard researchers conclude that, on average, for every dollar spent on employee wellness, medical costs fall $3.27 and absenteeism drops $2.73. This is a 6-to-1 return on investment.

Companies with highly successful health and productivity initiatives generate 11% more revenue per employee, 1.8 fewer days absent per employee per year, and 28% higher shareholder returns.

The importance of investing in employee wellness has become increasingly evident in today's evolving work landscape. By prioritizing the well-being of employees, organizations can create positive work cultures, improve productivity, attract and retain top talent, foster healthier work environments, and promote a better work-life balance. The statistics speak for themselves, highlighting the significant impact that employee wellness initiatives can have on both individual well-being and overall organizational success.

Implementing comprehensive wellness programs, offering mental health support, promoting work-life balance, and creating a supportive and inclusive work environment are essential actions to consider. By doing so, organizations can empower their employees, enhance productivity, and cultivate a workplace culture that values the holistic well-being of its people.

Let's prioritize employee wellness and create a future where organizations truly care for the health and happiness of their employees. Together, we can build a thriving work environment that fosters growth, success, and overall well-being.

About me, my name is Devika Khanna and I am a counselling psychologist passionate about working with employees. If you are looking at employee wellness programs or leadership development, hit me up. You can also check out my company page here .