What factors influence workplace wellbeing?

As we face ongoing uncertainty in the aftermath of 2020, organisations need to pay additional attention to factors influencing individual and team wellbeing. As Leaders we need to be mindful of these factors and be proactive in how we manage them  to mitigate their impact in this new reality. Whilst not exhaustive, here are some of those key factors that are influencing wellbeing.

Financial Insecurity
One of the major factors influencing employee wellbeing and productivity is financial insecurity.
The present adverse market conditions have instilled the fear of losing jobs and facing an increasingly difficult job market. This mental anxiety impacts employee productivity and employee engagement.

These feelings of financial insecurity can also be created by major transformation programs. Organisations going through times of high turn-over and major transformations need to go that extra mile to address employee concerns. Transparency and open communication are vital in helping alleviate the impact on workplace wellbeing of these major changes. Empathy and mindfulness are also critical to maintaining employee engagement during difficult times.

Workplace Environment
As remote working arrangements become more prevalent, organisations need to consider how the home office environment is optimised for wellbeing.

Ventilation and natural lighting play an important role in how your employees feel while at work.
Meanwhile, sitting for long hours in the same place can result in lower concentration levels, higher blood pressure, obesity, and several other health concerns (Mayo Clinic, 2020).
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After addressing aspects of the physical environment, organisations also need to re-consider diary management and meeting agendas to include regular mandatory breaks so that employees can walk away from their desks and screens.

The Silo Culture
Workplaces with a silo mentality make it difficult for employees to contribute their very best, jeopardising organisational efficiency and employee wellbeing. Breaking down silos through creating a unified vision and common goals can be part of the solution to addressing a silo culture.

Unhealthy Lifestyle
Each year, Australian employers incur indirect losses to the tune of $637 million due to obesity. Unhealthy eating habits and a highly sedentary lifestyle are impacting the health and wellbeing of employees, and in turn their productivity in the workplace.
 
Long working hours
The expectation for employees to work for long hours and be always on as a by-product of remote working, is resulting in employee burnout. (University of California, 2020) In fact, the WHO has included employee burnout under the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases, as a non-medical health condition (The WHO, 2019).

Knowing these common  factors, what actions can you take  to help mitigate the negative impacts on wellbeing in your workplace? It could be a culture program to improve transparency or change management, or it could be a work-life balance initiative like an extra day off or a team fitness activity.  Whatever it may be, being intentional and proactive is an important first step in driving  healthier and happier workplaces.

Collagis is committed to helping businesses like yours to optimise workforce and organisational effectiveness.
We'd love to share with you how we can help you address wellbeing in your workplace. 

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Links to References

          Mayo Clinic. (2020, August 21). What are the risks of sitting too much? Retrieved December 07, 2020, from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005

          The WHO. (2019, May 28). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from The WHO: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases

          University of California. (2020, September 3). Job burnout is a billion-dollar problem. Can we fix it, despite COVID-19? Retrieved December 10, 2020, from University of California: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/job-burnout-billion-dollar-problem-can-we-fix-it-despite-covid-19