Wellbeing has become a top priority among HR departments across industries. Over the years, companies have recognized the need to support their employees’ physical, mental, and social wellbeing to enhance productivity and improve employee retention rates. As HR departments continue to re-examine their approach to business, they must find ways to implement effective wellbeing strategies that can create a healthy work environment for all employees.
Selma Lalji Khamisa is a leading authority on employee wellbeing and currently serves as the Director of Wellbeing in North America. She has been instrumental in leading the development of the Human Sustainability Index (HSI), a tool used to measure the level of wellbeing in various organizations. The HSI measures the conditions that support positive employee wellbeing and analyzes the risks that can compromise it.
Defining Wellbeing according to the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines wellbeing as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In recent years, many companies have adopted this definition to drive their wellbeing strategies. The WHO recognizes that an employee’s overall wellbeing depends on several factors, such as a healthy work environment, a positive work-life balance, and social support from colleagues.
The Importance of Feeling Good, Balanced, and Satisfied for Overall Well-being
Well-being isn’t just about being physically healthy. It’s also about the ability to feel good, balanced, and satisfied. Studies have shown that employees who feel happy are more productive, engaged, and creative. A positive work environment, supportive colleagues, and a sense of purpose are all critical factors that contribute to an employee’s well-being.
The Increase in Organizations Implementing Well-being Strategies
According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), about 87% of companies in the US have at least one well-being program in place, while 83% have a full well-being strategy. This is up more than 25% since 2020, indicating a larger shift towards a greater emphasis on employee well-being. This increase in the adoption of well-being strategies shows that companies recognize the benefits of having a healthy workforce.
Every person in an organization should have a well-being indicator, such as a diagnostic, that assesses how they are doing overall in their lives. The HSI, developed by Selma Lalji Khamisa, is an excellent tool for achieving this. The HSI assesses ten areas of well-being, including job satisfaction, stress management, and social connectedness. By utilizing this tool, HR departments can identify the areas where employees need the most support and tailor their well-being strategies accordingly.
Starting with simple training exercises for conversations about wellbeing, one way for HR leaders to implement effective wellbeing strategies is to support organizations in how to have conversations about wellbeing. Often, employees are unwilling or unable to speak about their mental and physical health. However, with a more accepting and empathetic workplace environment, these conversations can become more productive and actionable.
Blurred lines between work and home and the interests of the company and employees
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has blurred the lines between work and home, making it increasingly challenging for employees to manage their personal and professional lives. At the same time, companies must balance the interests of the business with those of their employees. To achieve this balance, HR leaders must embrace flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible schedules, that give employees more control over their work-life balance.
Employee wellbeing has been identified as the top priority for companies in a recent survey by Aon, a leading global professional services firm. The survey showed that companies view employee wellbeing as critical to their success due to its impact on productivity, retention, and employee engagement, all of which contribute to achieving overall business objectives over the next five years.
The Challenge of Successfully Implementing Wellbeing Plans for HR Leaders
Implementing wellbeing plans can be a challenge for HR leaders. It requires a significant shift in organizational culture and a willingness to invest in the right resources for employees. Effective implementation requires careful planning, continuous monitoring, and constant communication to ensure that employees remain engaged and motivated.
In conclusion, employee well-being is crucial to the success of any organization. HR departments must embrace the need to develop and implement effective well-being strategies that support employees’ physical, mental and social well-being. By leveraging tools like the HSI, HR leaders can identify areas where employee well-being requires improvement and tailor their strategies accordingly. Companies that prioritize employee well-being are more likely to retain their employees, enhance productivity, and achieve long-term business success.