Introduction to Employee Wellbeing

Wellbeing can be defined as being happy, comfortable, healthy, safe and secure. Its definition suggests a positivity of physical and mental health, mood and emotion. It encompasses a wide range of factors that are impacted by an individual’s health, lifestyle, responsibilities and preferences. While some of these factors are in the individual’s control others are less preventable or manageable. The workplace can have a significant effect on wellbeing. It can be the main cause in changes to an employee’s wellbeing, or it can be the environment in which the consequences of negative wellbeing occur.

Employers can also provide an environment that responds in a supportive way when wellbeing is deteriorating. There are important tools around a number of key factors for employee wellbeing. If leaders demonstrate an interest, commitment and active involvement in activities or interventions that promote wellbeing, this will have a positive impact on employee engagement. Well-promoted wellbeing strategies can also be a positive aspect for the employer brand, and can be seen externally as employers acting responsibly.

Employees want to be assured that there are options for them to develop their career, whether that is a promotional path, or developing their knowledge within their current role. While organizations and their people managers may not have a strong influence over their employees’ health or their lifestyle choices, their physical health will have a strong influence on their wellbeing whilst at work. Workplace mental health is a complex and sensitive issue. While many of the treatments for mental health, stress, anxiety, etc, are specialist interventions, people managers providing empathy and support could still be beneficial.