Work-related stress is not a new concept, but with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting business operations, it has become a pressing issue for many. Long hours, demanding workloads, and a lack of work-life balance are taking a toll on employees, and many are considering quitting their jobs as a result. According to a recent survey, as many as 60% of employees and 75% of C-suite executives are seriously considering leaving their current jobs for opportunities that better support their well-being.
More people are considering quitting their jobs due to work-related stress
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought work-related stress to new heights. Balancing remote work, home responsibilities, and health concerns has made work-life balance nearly impossible for many employees. Even those who have returned to in-person work are facing unprecedented stress, from the anxiety of maintaining social distance to the pressure of meeting new health and safety requirements.
There is a perception gap between employees and top leaders
While both employees and C-suite executives agree that work-related stress is a significant problem, there is a perception gap when it comes to understanding how it affects the workplace. For example, three in four employees say they believe their health has worsened over the past year, but 75% of C-suite executives believe that their workforce’s health has improved.
Discrepancy in well-being commitments between top leaders and employees
Another issue highlighted in the survey is the discrepancy in well-being commitments between top leaders and employees. While 84% of the C-suite executives surveyed said that their companies have made public statements committing to employee well-being, only 39% of employees agreed. This discrepancy highlights the need for more transparency and communication between decision-makers and their employees. If employees do not understand what their company is doing to support their well-being, they are unlikely to feel supported or valued.
There is a perception gap between top leaders and employees regarding the advancement of human sustainability
The survey also found a perception gap between top leaders and employees when it comes to advancing human sustainability. When asked if their company was doing a good job of advancing human sustainability, 89% of top leaders said “yes,” while only 41% of employees agreed. This gap in perception is concerning because human sustainability is essential to both business success and employee well-being. If top leaders do not understand what their employees need to feel supported and valued, they are less likely to create an environment that fosters employee well-being and contributes to business success.
Well-being as a top trend in attracting and retaining employees post-COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the workplace, companies are finding that well-being has become a top trend in attracting and retaining employees. Eight out of 10 of the 3,150 people surveyed said they were dealing with a heavy workload and a stressful job, and most said they would prefer to live in a country that embraced a well-being economy. This shift in employee attitudes highlights the importance of businesses making employee well-being a priority. Companies that prioritize employee well-being are likely to be more successful in attracting and retaining top talent, which can contribute to the business’s success over the long term.
Heavy workloads and a preference for a well-being economy
The survey found that heavy workloads and stressful jobs are among the top factors contributing to employee stress. This finding underscores the need for companies to prioritize employee well-being by offering a work environment that supports work-life balance, flexible scheduling, and other benefits that promote overall health and well-being. Moreover, most survey respondents indicated that they would prefer to live in a country that prioritizes a well-being economy. This suggests that companies that embrace such an approach are likely to be more successful in attracting and retaining employees.
Obstacles that prevent managers from supporting their team members
Even when managers recognize the importance of supporting their team members’ well-being, they may face obstacles that prevent them from doing so. As many as 70% of surveyed managers said obstacles like rigid company policies and an unsupportive workplace culture prevented them from doing more to support their team members. It’s essential for companies to address these obstacles and create an environment that supports employee well-being. By doing so, they can create a healthier and more productive workforce.
Reporting metrics on wellbeing performance to the public
Finally, the survey found that most respondents believed they should report their well-being performance metrics to the public. However, only half of those surveyed are currently doing so. Transparency is key when it comes to creating a culture of well-being in the workplace. Companies that report their metrics on well-being performance are more likely to create an environment of trust and accountability that supports employee well-being.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of employee well-being in the workplace. Companies that prioritize their employees’ health and well-being are likely to be more successful in attracting and retaining talent, contributing to business success in the long term. However, there is work to be done to close the perception gap between decision-makers and employees, address the obstacles to creating a healthy workplace culture, and report metrics on well-being performance. By doing so, companies can create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.