4.Health and wellness Benefits in the Work Place.


"Promoting Health and Wellness in the Workplace a Recipe for  Productivity and Happiness."

 

                                                                                      (Dreamstime, n.d.)                                                                                              

Prioritizing employee health and wellness has become essential for successful firms in the fast-paced world of modern work. It has been demonstrated that creating a culture of well-being in the workplace has several advantages for both employers and employees, going beyond the conventional emphasis on efficiency and production.

Studies show time and time again that a balanced and healthy staff boosts output, reduces absenteeism, and improves job satisfaction.

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that,

Companies with comprehensive wellness programs experienced a 25% reduction in absenteeism and a 32% decrease in workers' compensation and disability management costs.

                                                                  (Mattke et al., 2013).

Furthermore,

Promoting physical activity in the workplace has been linked to improved mental health and cognitive function. A systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights the positive impact of exercise on mood, stress reduction, and overall well-being.

 (Biddle et al., 2019).

In addition to physical health, mental well-being is a critical aspect of employee performance. Providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or stress management programs, contributes to a more positive work environment.

A Harvard Business Review article notes that,

Companies with mental health programs in place report a 28% increase in employee productivity and a 31% reduction in related costs.

(Lim et al., 2020).

Investing in employee health and wellness is not only socially responsible but also financially savvy.

The World Health Organization estimates that,

For every $1 invested in workplace health programs, there is a return of $3 in improved productivity and decreased healthcare costs.

                                                                                 (WHO, 2010).




                                                                                                                        (Eatough, 2022)

In summary

  • Health and wellness benefits in the workplace contribute significantly to the overall success of an organization by fostering a positive and productive work environment.
  • When employees have access to wellness programs, such as fitness facilities, mental health resources, and preventive care, they are more likely to maintain good health, reducing absenteeism and increasing overall productivity. Additionally, organizations that prioritize employee well-being often experience higher levels of job satisfaction and morale, leading to improved retention rates.
  • A healthy workforce not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to a more resilient and thriving organizational culture.

In conclusion, an organization's overall success as well as employee happiness and retention can both benefit from a workplace that places a high priority on health and wellbeing. Businesses can prosper in the long run by fostering a supportive environment that fosters both physical and emotional well-being.

 References:

  • Mattke, S., Liu, H., Caloyeras, J. P., Huang, C. Y., Van Busum, K. R., Khodyakov, D., & Shier, V. (2013). Workplace Wellness Programs Study: Final Report. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 55(4), 409–417.
  • Biddle, S. J. H., Asare, M. (2019). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: A review of reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(11), 886–895.
  • Lim, D., Sanderson, K., & Andrews, G. (2020). Lost productivity among full-time workers with mental disorders. Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, 23(3), 123–130.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2010). Healthy Workplaces: A Model for Action – For Employers, Workers, Policymakers, and Practitioners. World Health Organization.
  • Eatough, E. (2022). Employee wellness 101: tips, ideas, and best practices | BetterUp. [online] www.betterup.com. Available at: https://www.betterup.com/blog/employee-wellness.‌

  • Dreamstime. (n.d.). 12,743 Employee Wellness Stock Photos - Free & Royalty-Free Stock Photos from Dreamstime. [online] Available at: https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/employee-wellness.html [Accessed 12 Nov. 2023].

Comments

  1. Health and wellness benefits are actually one of the main things and important aspects now adays employees look into. yes and as you have mentioned it does make and bring about a happy workplace.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes Zeenath, Indeed, the increasing emphasis on health and wellness benefits reflects a growing awareness among employees regarding the holistic nature of well-being. Research consistently supports the positive impact of such initiatives on both individual health and overall workplace satisfaction, contributing to a conducive and contented work environment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. How does promoting physical activity in the workplace, as highlighted in the article, contribute to improved mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, according to the systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (Biddle et al., 2019)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vidura,
      Promoting physical activity in the workplace, as highlighted in the article, contributes to improved mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, as demonstrated in a systematic review (Biddle et al., 2019). The review emphasizes the positive impact of exercise on mood, stress reduction, and well-being. This aligns with the broader theme that prioritizing health and wellness in the workplace enhances employee performance, reduces absenteeism, and fosters a positive work environment, ultimately contributing to organizational success and employee happiness. and thank you comment for my post.

      Delete
  4. Dear Mayumi, Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes health and wellness isn't just a trend; it's a recipe for enhanced productivity and happiness. Research consistently highlights the ripple effects: reduced absenteeism, heightened productivity, and lower costs for companies. Investing in employee well-being isn't just socially responsible—it's a smart financial move too.
    What's your favorite way to incorporate wellness into your daily work routine?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Dammika,
    This is something that varies from person to person, it's different wishes and different philosophies. According to me, my favorite way to prioritize wellness at work is taking short breaks for stretching and deep breathing. This keeps me focused, energized, and contributes to a positive work environment.

    ReplyDelete

  6. This article effectively highlights the growing importance of prioritizing employee health and wellness in today's fast-paced work environment. The evidence presented, especially the statistics from the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, underscores the tangible benefits of comprehensive wellness programs for companies. It's encouraging to see the recognition that a positive work environment contributes not only to efficiency but also to job satisfaction, ultimately benefiting both employers and employees.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Guide to HRM and Job design,
      Absolutely! The article makes a compelling case for prioritizing employee well-being. The cited statistics from the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reinforce the positive impact of wellness programs on efficiency, job satisfaction, and overall success for both employers and employees.

      Delete
  7. Dear Mayumi, it is nice article, further adding these details.
    The most effective workplace wellbeing initiatives acknowledge the interdependence of the individual, the job and work environment, the business, and social participation and values. When implemented Effective, wellbeing programs go beyond the simple "healthy life" projects. They are about developing an organizational culture that supports learning and development so that people can reach their full potential, as well as encouraging good physical and psychological health and broader social engagement. They are also about fostering strong, ethical workplace relationships based on trust and respect, as well as a collaborative and communicative management style.
    Health and wellbeing in the workplace A whitepaper. (n.d.).

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Roshan,
    Thank you for your comment. The comprehensive approach to workplace wellbeing highlighted in the article is commendable. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual, job, environment, business, and societal factors is crucial for fostering a holistic and sustainable culture of health, growth, and collaboration in the workplace.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Mayumi.
    This highlights the positive impact of health and wellness benefits on workplace productivity and employee satisfaction. The evidence presented underscores the financial and social benefits of prioritizing employee well-being, making it a strategic investment for organizational success.

    ReplyDelete

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