What comes to mind when you think of workplace wellness?

While each organisation will have a slightly (or extremely) different take on it, it’s clear employees expect more than empty words on a cleverly crafted wall.

For too long, wellbeing has been considered an indulgent demand of a generation who’s never faced the fear and uncertainty of unemployment. Met with cynicism by some leaders; downright dismissed by many more. 

For something that is so intrinsic to a meaningful, fulfilling life, this attitude is an interesting one. Is it reasonable to expect the best from employees if they don’t feel seen, supported and valued? 

As we arguably face one of the worst mental health crises in recent times, organisations must play their part in cultivating wellbeing in the workplace. 

So what is wellbeing? Why does it matter so much to us as humans and employees? And how have recent events shaped our sentiments towards it?

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is more than simply feeling happy or having good health (though no one should take either of those for granted). Every aspect of a person’s life influences their wellbeing: physical, mental, emotional and social health all play a part. 

Wellbeing considers how we:

• Cultivate meaning and good relationships
• Use our strengths
• Contribute to a ‘greater’ cause than us
• Find pleasure in losing ourselves in things we find challenging and enjoyable.

It’s not about pursuing constant happiness; it’s about living both our personal and professional lives to their full potential. Facing adversity, growing from it - and embracing the good times along the way. 

Why should management care about wellbeing?

While it might be tempting to dismiss the wellbeing of workers as a ‘soft’ issue, the numbers tell a different story. 

It’s what people want

Each year, in our Candidate Motivators Survey, we ask candidates what’s getting them out of bed every day. 

Unlike Linda Evangalista and her besties back in the ‘90s, it’s usually for less than $10,000 a day. These days, you’re far more likely to attract an employee to your organisation by taking balance and wellbeing seriously.

That’s because 33% of respondents consider a company’s stance on wellbeing when they’re weighing up their job options. 

Can your organisation afford to dismiss almost half of the candidates out there in today’s tight market? 

Perhaps. But it’s a risky move. 

It gets results

There’s an undeniable link between wellbeing in the workplace and a company’s performance.

It might seem counterintuitive to turn your focus away from the balance sheet and towards the wellness of your team. But consider this: engaged workers are more productive workers - and that flows through to the bottom line. 

A recent project analysing the data from 339 independent studies revealed:

• Increased employee satisfaction leads to higher productivity
• Happier employees boosts customer loyalty
• Staff turnover drops when workers are content.

It’s not a Sophie’s Choice scenario! Leaders don’t have to pick between profits and people - and nor should you. 

Wellbeing in a post-pandemic world

The way we work has changed significantly over the past few years, particularly with many organisations opting for hybrid working models.  However, the challenge for people juggling work and personal lives still remains.

That’s why workplace wellness plays a significant role in attracting, retaining and engaging staff. 

And, it was echoed in our survey results around candidate motivators. 

The Melbourne experience

In a city plagued by lockdowns, around a third of surveyed Melbourne workers in both 2023 and 2022 (27.2% and 33.6% respectively) said they were drawn to workplaces promoting balance and wellbeing. 

Work-life balance was important, too, though less so in 2023 (36%) compared with 2022 (43%). 

That shift is interesting, as it illustrates how our wellbeing needs change, depending on what else is going on around us. In the midst of isolation, a work-life balance was critical; a year later, Melbournians were back to a more ‘normal’ routine and that driver became less important. 

As leaders, it’s essential to be across those swings so you’re in a position to tweak things as needed. In a climate of rising inflation, costs and financial pressures, workplace wellness programs will continue taking on even more significance. 

Because when you focus on your staff’s wellbeing, their resilience improves, too - and those positive effects will ripple through their home life as well.

And the happier your employees, the better your bottom line will look. 

Waking up to wellbeing in the workplace
Wellbeing helps us stay resilient, build social support and cope with adversity. Those skills don’t just make us better employees, they give us more fulfilled lives.

It’s up to leaders to bring wellbeing into the workplace in a way that actually supports employees to thrive. A true corporate culture of wellness will strengthen your employees - and your organisation. 

Find out more about what candidates and employees are looking for in a job, download our 2023 Candidate Motivators whitepaper today. 

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve & Christian Krekel & George Ward, 2019: ‘Employee wellbeing, productivity and firm performance’, CEP Discussion Papers dp1605, Centre for Economic Performance LSE.