Why is improving well-being in the workplace essential?

Someone mistakes it for having large desks, comfortable chairs, work rewards, employee incentives, or even a company coffee maker. However, well-being in the workplace is much more, and we are here to explain what it is and why it is fundamental.

Workplace well-being relates to all activities and approaches that allow employees to experience the workplace as a calm, pleasant, and positive environment, creating a healthy atmosphere beneficial to the company in several ways. The physical, psychological, and social satisfaction we refer to requires the engagement of various people to succeed and persist, such as employers, managers, supervisors, and employees.

Where to start?

First and foremost, one should realize that each employee is an individual; therefore, they possess transversal capabilities, technical knowledge, peculiar characters, and personal experiences. 

With that in mind, it appears self-evident how important it is to provide a positive workplace to allow employees to work at their best and prevents them from looking for other job opportunities.

Workplace malaise and how to measure well-being: what are the main factors?

Several alarm bells can help you identify and prevent workplace malaise:

• work overload,
• lack of clear and shared goals,
• salary dissatisfaction,
• absenteeism,
• high turnover,
• stress and anxiety.

Not only do all these elements increase discomfort and complications in the workplace, but they also decrease profits, hindering growth and productivity.

Conversely, there are different factors that you can use to recognize when there is well-being in the workplace. Pay attention and ask yourself whether they apply.

• The company perceives its personnel as people, not only as employees, showing a genuine interest in them.
• The company openly recognizes and rewards effort and achievement.
• The employees can access educational opportunities offered by the company that invests in their professional growth.
• All workers have the appropriate resources to complete their tasks as best as possible.
• The company holds that safety and hygiene in the workplace are of utmost importance and never underestimates them to protect employees.
• Whenever possible, employees participate in the decision process concerning their job and the place where they work.
• Good faith errors are not penalized but accepted as everyday occurrences, promoting transparency by preventing employees from holding back the truths and blaming someone else.
• Workers experience an environment of mutual respect and esteem.

One last point that offers a good summary is represented by the support given to employees in finding a good balance between professional and personal life.

As you see, numerous elements can suggest whether a business cares for employee well-being.

Investing in organizational well-being programs: promoting work-life balance.

Even though many businesses do not often realize it, a healthy work environment results in significant company outcomes. The workplace affects productivity, work quality, company image, absenteeism, and turnover.

Imagine a workplace where everyone feels professionally appreciated and part of a cohesive team; a company that recognizes and rewards achievements and considers relaxation areas as positive and helpful, customizes activities for the employees and promotes team-building opportunities. How would you perceive the workplace? How would your employees perceive it? What would the effects on their work routine be?

We are referring to the so-called work-life balance, a harmonious equilibrium between professional and personal life. The goal is achieving and maintaining well-being in the whole company to improve the quality of life for everyone involved.

Shared responsibility: do one's part to make it work.

In pursuing and maintaining employee well-being, it is fundamental that everyone plays their part: employers, managers, HR department, and employees, none excluded.

No matter who you are, everyone has an individual responsibility to encourage happiness at work.

Are you an employer? Keep these responsibilities in mind:

• Offer funded educational programs to stimulate new skills and improve those already acquired.
• Talk to the HR department and make sure you do not hire applicants only for their skills but select those who also share the company's vision and values.
• Leave the right amount of freedom to your employees; get them inspired and capable of expressing themself, listen to them, and do not ignore their ideas. This way, you will prevent them from feeling useless and insignificant.
• Keep an eye on the level of health and safety, avoiding letting down your guard but relying on professionals.
• Make sure your employees earn a fair wage, adjust it to their tasks and role, and consider introducing potential benefits.
• Together with the HR department, support your employees in becoming more aware of their potential and verify whether their tasks fit their profiles.
• Promote cooperation!

Are you an employee? Do not forget about your responsibilities:

• If your company is trying to improve, but you think it is not going in the right direction, speak up and clarify your department's needs; the company might be unaware of them.
• Understand your skills and added value. If you think the company would be better off having you in a different department, point that out. The change could be beneficial to both.
• Is the HR department willing to encourage you find more suitable tasks? Let them help and do your best to cooperate.
• Ask your company’s HR for a professional growth plan built around your potential.
• Do not give up on your needs and aspirations! Look for a way to include and develop them in your professional life.

Are you a manager? You can determine your company's happiness:

• Show understanding, gratitude, and interest toward your collaborators and take nothing for granted.
• Observe your team: do they look weary, unmotivated, or stressed out? If so, look for the reasons and think about possible solutions.
• Engage and motivate your employees. Try and give a good example: a sluggish manager who openly hates what they do is enough to destroy the well-being that the company is trying to promote.
• Pay attention to anyone willing to point something out.

Everyone plays a role in achieving well-being in the workplace, and harmonious collaboration is essential.

Every company is different, requires specific approaches, and might take more or less time to improve. In any case, how about starting to invest in organizational well-being today?

Make it happen!