What is employee wellbeing?
Employee wellbeing is defined as the overall wellness of company employees. This includes their mental and physical health and how their workplace impacts and aids these. Employee wellbeing in the workplace can refer to how safe and supported an employee feels in their employment. Employee wellbeing also includes what mental and physical health support a workplace offers. it also includes the general company culture surrounding mental health and workplace stress.
Signs of Poor Wellbeing In The Workplace
In order to support their staff as best they can, employers need to be aware of the signs of poor employee wellbeing in the workplace. Examples could include:
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- Sudden prolonged sadness, cynicism, negativity or irritability
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- Unpredictable mood swings
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- Displaying excessive fear or worry
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- Appearing withdrawn from both the workplace and social events
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- Sudden changes in eating or sleeping habits
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- Missed deadlines, forgetting tasks or complaining about the workload
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- Frequent conflicts with other staff members
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- Increased rates of absenteeism or presenteeism
Read More: Mental Ill-Health at Work
Improve Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace
To effectively support employees with their wellbeing in the workplace, company Mental Health Aware Training can be a great tool. By offering employees the expertise to improve staff wellbeing, Mental Health Aware Training allows them to create new habits and action plans.
It can also be useful to offer Mental Health First Aid training to key staff and management. This ensures that there is always someone in the workplace that can deal with a mental health crisis. This in turn leads to employees feeling safe and supported at work.
Benefits of Positive Employee Wellbeing
Better Employee Wellbeing Lowers Absenteeism
These Mental Health Foundation Mental Health At Work statistics show that 12.7% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions, it’s clear that more support is needed. In fact, improving employee wellbeing is one of the best ways to prevent absenteeism and presenteeism among employees. When employees feel supported with their wellbeing at work, they will be less likely to take time off work. Workplace Mental Health First Aid training also supports employees in helping them to manage their stress container and workload. This in turn reduces the need for time off.
Positive Employee Wellbeing Increases Productivity
One benefit of investing in employee wellbeing is an increase in productivity among employees. By reducing stress and improve mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, businesses may see their employees work more productively, effectively and happily.
Positive Employee Wellbeing is Cost Effective
With the cost of absenteeism related to poor mental health in business on the rise, investing in mental health support is usually a cost-effective solution. Time off work and reduced productivity may cost companies more than the preventative measure of workplace Mental Health First Aid training.
Positive Employee Wellbeing Boosts Employee Retention
Another benefit of supporting employee wellbeing is an increase in employee loyalty and retention. By investing in employees’ wellbeing, businesses should have a dedicated, content and valued workforce. This means that employees may be less likely to defect to rival companies. Positive employee wellbeing can promote a company’s reputation, which may lead to happier, more loyal employees.
Positive Employee Wellbeing Improves Workplace Communication
Better employee wellbeing improves workplace communication. Employees who are more invested in their job may be more likely to be engaged with their team and the workload. This may make it easier for them to communicate effectively, allowing for any issues to be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
Improved employee wellbeing at work also creates a more positive environment for workers to interact with their colleagues, clients or customers. Employees may then positively impact the wellbeing of those around them, influencing supportive feelings across the business.
Positive Employee Wellbeing Reduces the Risk of Unresolved Issues
When employees have the tools to recognise the early warning signs of mental ill-health, they are in a strong position to stop issues from developing. For example: employee burnout. If employees are trained to understand burnout and how to recognise it in its early stages, they may be able to stop things escalating. This also avoids the related costs associated with chronic employee burnout, such as long-term absence and reduced performance.
Positive Employee Wellbeing Can Increase Profitability
It’s no surprise that these key business benefits of employee wellbeing combine to create stronger, more profitable companies. Companies that create a positive employee experience are more profitable and successful than their competitors. This shows that employees who feel supported in their wellbeing have the potential to offer greater results.
Ready to Improve Employee Wellbeing in Your Workplace?
At Great Minds At Work, we specialise in creating positive work environments. As accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainers, you can trust that your staff will be equipped with the tools to boost their own and others’ wellbeing. If your company is looking to improve their workplace wellbeing and reap the many benefits of MHFA training, why not enquire today?
Check Out Our Accredited Mental Health First Aid Courses Today!