5 reasons to prioritise employee well-being in the workplace

Introduction

In recent years, there's been a shift in how we approach employee well-being and mental health in the workplace. There's a focus on addressing the challenges related to employee well-being, while preventing work-related mental health issues at the same time ¹. Even though the concepts of employee well-being and work-related mental health issues are related, there is a difference.

There are different terms being used describing happiness and health in the workplace. The one just discussed is about employee mental health. However, a term sometimes being intertwined is employee well-being.

But, what really sets them apart?

• Mental Health at Work: The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being that helps individuals deal with daily stresses, perform well in their roles, contribute to their community, and fulfill their potential ² Mental health at work is an important aspect of employee well-being.
• Well-Being in the Workplace: Well-being at work entails everything all aspects around the work experience. It's about ensuring a safe, high-quality work environment and understanding how employees view their roles, the company, and its culture. A concept also used is a "Healthy Organisation". This term is used to talk about creating an empowered and lasting workforce ³. It's important to note that mental health and well-being are closely connected, supporting and enhancing each other in the workplace.

Why prioritize Employee Well-Being?

There are several reasons why putting employee well-being first makes sense and should be a priority in your organisation.

1. Reduced Absences: Stress remains a major cause of short- and long-term absences, with a surprising 79% of respondents reporting stress-related absences ⁴. Improved well-being means fewer sick days taken by employees, leading to fewer disruptions and costs.
2. Attracting Top Talent: Workplace well-being influences a company's ability to attract top talent. Nearly 73% of respondents across different markets say they'd prefer to work for a company that values well-being compared to a company that does not ⁵.
3. Higher Productivity and Engagement: Happier employees tend to be more engaged and productive. A study by the Social Market Foundation shows that happy employees can be 20% more productive than their less happy colleagues ⁶.
4. Conflict Reduction: Job satisfaction often leads to fewer workplace conflicts. Unresolved conflicts, when not managed well, can contribute to burnout and decreased well-being ⁷.
5. Supporting Mental Health Reduces Burnout: Prioritizing well-being can potentially reduce burnout. Focusing on workplace well-being may alleviate stressors tied to burnout ⁸.

Noon's Approach to employee well-being

Starting the journey toward prioritizing employee well-being might seem daunting, but taking any step is better than doing nothing. It doesn't require a complete overhaul of existing practices; rather, it involves integrating employee well-being into daily work routines.

With Noon, you can transform your approach to workplace well-being from day one. Through daily check-ins, employees can reflect on their work and emotions. Noon assesses six key areas of work to identify where extra attention is needed.

Beyond individual insights, Noon highlights team well-being, revealing trends and potential conflicts. This approach encourages a culture where positive conflicts are seen as opportunities for growth.

Incorporating employee well-being with Noon can lead to a happier, healthier, and more productive work environment for every team member.