Road to Workplace Happiness: The Power of Prioritizing Employee Well-being

In the ever-evolving landscape of the workplace, where demands for increased wages and opportunities have sparked the Great Resignation, a new phenomenon called Quiet Quitting has emerged. This is fuelled by employee disengagement and a lack of passion. As a result, businesses are now being called upon to prioritize the well-being of their employees. This shift arises from the realization that simply offering perks and rewards is not enough to truly promote well-being in the long run.

Wellness programs have become a crucial tool for employee retention and recruitment. Today's workforce seeks genuine recognition of their value and well-being. The conversation around wellness has expanded beyond physical health to include personalized goals, mental health, and work-life balance.

A research conducted by the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) reveals a strong connection between employee well-being and increased productivity, improved morale, heightened engagement, and overall corporate success. In fact, 90% of companies have recognized the positive impact on both quality and quantity of work when they prioritize employee wellness. Conversely, neglecting employee health has been associated with illness, decreased engagement, burnout, and heightened stress.

As companies adapt to this new reality, they are exploring ways to support wellness and enhance employee involvement. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Prevention is Key. Rather than just reactively providing wellness benefits, companies should focus on prevention as the foundation of employee well-being. This approach ensures that employees are physically and mentally well, which ultimately leads to higher levels of happiness. Some preventative measures include:

  • Train managers to identify possible mental health concerns

  • Implementation of regular health check-ups (avail the annual physical exam / executive check-up) as mandated by your company

  • Review employees’ total cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, weight, and body mass index (BMI) etc. in accordance with your HMO package

  • Encourage employees to be more active by raising awareness of the importance of physical activities

  • Lectures on healthy eating, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use, etc.

2. Prioritize Employee Engagement and Experience. To create a fulfilling workplace experience, it is essential to foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfilment among employees. Implement initiatives that recognize and appreciate employee efforts, promoting professional growth and development, and create opportunities for meaningful work. These initiatives are crucial in enhancing employee motivation, commitment, and overall well-being.

3. Holistic Approach to Employee Well-being. Well-being should not be limited to physical health alone. Mental, emotional, financial and social well-being are equally important. Recognize the interconnectedness of these various aspects and design wellness programs that address the multi-dimensional nature of well-being. Incorporate meditation techniques, stress management programs, emotional intelligence lectures, and social connection initiatives into your wellness strategies. The holistic approach ensures that employees receive comprehensive support, catering to their diverse needs and enhancing overall life satisfaction and happiness.

In summary, these shifts are not just trends; they have a direct impact on employees' daily lives. Addressing them is about creating workplaces where employees can thrive, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of the organization.

To navigate and leverage these emerging trends, reach out to our Lockton People Solutions teams:

E: info.philippines@lockton.com (opens a new window) (Philippines)

E: enquiry.asia@lockton.com (opens a new window) (Asia)