The term ‘employee wellbeing’ is no longer a mere buzzword – and is finding its rightful place in businesses of all sizes.

You might even be promoting it in your workplace without realising it!

But what is employee wellbeing? What does it really represent, how can it be defined, and what steps can you take to help support the health and wellbeing of your team?

Glad you asked – because that’s exactly what we’re about to dive into in this article.

Employee wellbeing encompasses the physical, mental, financial, social and professional wellbeing of a company’s employees – commonly known as the five pillars of employee wellbeing. You can learn more about these pillars in this article.

What Employee Wellbeing Is Not

Before we get into the important details around wellbeing in the workplace, let's set the record straight on what employee wellbeing is not.

It isn't a new trend or a box-ticking exercise filled with generic perks like free healthy snacks and office yoga. Nor is it a one-size-fits-all programme that that can be applied to every workplace and employee.

When properly implemented, an effective employee wellbeing programme will provide practical, meaningful support to help uplift every individual in an organisation.

This will, of course, pay dividends for the organisation too because a happy, healthy and supported workforce is a more productive workforce.

Why Employers Should Care About Employee Wellbeing

Global business advisory firm Gallup underline the importance of businesses taking proactive steps to support employee wellbeing.

On its website, Gallup states: “The benefits of improving wellbeing have serious implications for business outcomes. For example, teams that believe their organisation cares about their wellbeing perform better on a number of metrics, including customer engagement, profitability and productivity, turnover, and safety incidents.”

Meanwhile, an article on employee wellbeing in Forbes magazine, states: “Investing in employees’ overall health can help create a culture of openness and support that fosters engagement.

“When you make employee well-being a culture habit, you can better ensure maximum engagement and results.”

The overall message is clear: a workforce that feels valued, supported, and healthy is ultimately more engaged, productive, and loyal.

What Is An Employee Wellbeing Programme?

Let’s now move onto the topic of employee wellbeing programmes – a mechanism through which an organisation invests money, time and resources to support and improve the mental and physical wellbeing of their workforce.

The programme will also determine practical ways that the organisation provides support to employees. This will involve looking at various areas, such as how work is organised and carried out, the support provided when employees experience physical and mental health difficulties, and the culture within the organisation.

So, what does an effective employee wellbeing program look like? While off-the-shelf and generic solutions may offer convenience, these one-size-fits-all employee wellbeing approaches often miss the mark by failing to properly address the specific needs and challenges of your specific workplace and employees.

Providing support in areas where support is not needed can actually be counterproductive – and frustrate those in need of support in other areas.

This is where services like Reverl come into play. Reverl engages your staff regularly to gain insight into the issues they’re experiencing so that a tailored wellbeing solution can be created.

By taking this approach, companies can ensure that their initiatives are not just well-received but are also highly impactful, addressing the exact wants and needs of their employees, delivering maximum benefit for every penny spent.

Why An Employee Wellbeing Programme Is Important For Your Business

Let’s be clear: everyone is a winner as a result of an effective employee wellbeing programme being implemented.

Not only does each member of staff feel valued and supported, but a good employee wellness programme helps build your reputation as an employer that takes care of your team with a high-quality workplace.

For many businesses, attracting and retaining high-quality employees is an ongoing challenge, particularly in the current climate. An employee wellness programme can help your company to properly look after your employees and ensure your business thrives.

In the battle for talent, being known as a company that genuinely cares for its employees can set you apart. A motivated and focused team is also the backbone of innovation and productivity.

Benefits Of An Effective Employee Wellbeing Programme

Research shows that wellness programmes within organisations can encourage employees to maintain healthier life choices: smoking less, eating healthier food, exercising more, and discovering new ways to manage stress.

But what benefits does this bring both the individual and the business? More than you’d expect. We’ve listed 10 key benefits below:

·      Enhanced employee productivity

·      Fewer sick days

·      Improved employee engagement

·      Increased retention of talented staff

·      Lower healthcare costs

·      Positive company image

·      Enhanced team morale

·      Increased innovation

·      Better work-life balance for employees

·      Reduce stress in and out of the workplace

From reduced absenteeism to strengthening the reputation of your company as a caring employer, the ripple effects of a well-implemented employee wellbeing programme can be profound.

Getting Started with Improving Your Team's Employee Wellbeing

Implementing effective wellbeing initiatives is where the real work begins because not all businesses operate the same way.

Identifying the unique challenges, stressors, and needs of your employees is vital in order to deliver a successful employee wellbeing programme. This requires regular dialogue, genuine engagement, and a commitment to action.

Here are some strategies organisations can adopt to improve employee wellbeing:

Conduct wellbeing surveys: this data can inform targeted provision of resources and support, focusing on what staff tell you they need – rather than making assumptions. This will help to avoid wasting money on areas that are not in need of support.

Offer mental health support: Provide access to mental health resources, such as counselling services, stress management programmes, as well as training for managers to recognise and support mental health issues.

Promote physical health: implementing health and wellness programmes, such as fitness challenges, encouraging desk breaks and lunchtime walks, along with healthy eating options in the workplace, can all have a significant impact on the wellbeing of workers.

Foster a positive work environment: create a culture that values inclusivity and open communication. Recognise and celebrate achievements, and provide opportunities for social interaction.

Support work-life balance: encourage flexible hours and hybrid working arrangements where possible to help employees balance work and personal commitments.

Financial wellbeing programmes: offer financial education workshops, retirement planning services, and access to financial advice.

Professional development opportunities: invest in personal development and training that staff want. Encouraging continuous learning and growth through training programmes, mentorship, and career development plans will help your business thrive.

Here at Reverl, we offer tools and insights that help HR teams navigate this process, ensuring that the wellbeing initiatives they implement are not only effective but also resonate deeply with their workforce and can be demonstrated to stakeholders.