The Importance of Employee Wellbeing in the Modern Workplace

Gallup has released its ‘State of the Global Workplace’ report highlighting global employee engagement, mental health and wellbeing challenges in 2023.

The US based multinational analytics and advisory company complied its annual report which outlines the role of work in employee mental health and wellbeing with the aim to answer if employers are suffering or thriving at work.

At Includability, Mental Health and Wellbeing at two of our core pillars of business and we will look at each pillar in greater detail. In this article, we will focus on the wellbeing aspects.

Check out our mental health blog here.

The Current State of Employee Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing has become a critical focus for organisations worldwide, as highlighted by Gallup's 2023 global report. The findings reveal that while overall employee engagement has stagnated, wellbeing has seen a slight decline, particularly among younger workers. This trend has significant implications for organisational productivity and highlights the need for a renewed focus on fostering wellbeing in the workplace.

Decline in Wellbeing Among Younger Workers

One of the most concerning trends in Gallup's report is the decline in wellbeing among employees under 35. This demographic has experienced a noticeable drop in life satisfaction, reflecting broader societal trends.

The World Happiness Report corroborates these findings, noting that younger generations report lower life evaluations compared to older cohorts.

This decline in wellbeing is not solely attributed to work, but employment plays a significant role in overall life satisfaction.

The Role of Labour Rights and Job Availability

Gallup's report indicates that countries with robust job markets and supportive labour rights tend to have better employee wellbeing. Employees in these regions report lower levels of stress and higher life satisfaction, as they can escape detrimental work environments more easily.

Robust labour laws that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and support for family responsibilities contribute to lower stress levels among engaged employees.

The Critical Role of Managers in Wellbeing

Managers are central to fostering employee wellbeing. Engaged managers lead to engaged teams, which in turn enhances overall wellbeing.

The report does present a paradox: managers themselves often experience higher levels of negative emotions compared to non-managers. This stress can undermine their ability to support their teams effectively.

Companies providing managers with resources and support is crucial for improving employee wellbeing across the board.

The Impact of Engagement on Wellbeing

Engagement is a significant driver of wellbeing. Employees who find their work and work relationships meaningful report higher levels of daily enjoyment and lower levels of negative emotions. In contrast, disengaged employees face elevated stress, worry, and other negative emotions.

This correlation underscores the importance of fostering engagement to enhance wellbeing. Organisations that succeed in this area see not only happier employees but also better business outcomes.

Strategies for Enhancing Wellbeing

To improve employee wellbeing, organisations must adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes offering benefits and flexibility that support work-life balance and creating a positive work culture. Building high performing, engaged teams is essential, as engagement is closely linked to wellbeing.

Employers should also focus on reducing stress and providing mental health resources, particularly for managers who play a pivotal role in the overall wellbeing of their teams.

Includability’s Community of Wellbeing Partner Experts

Ready to boost employee wellbeing in your organisation?

Discover the benefits of joining Includability's wellbeing community of Partner Experts. Our community provides access to cutting-edge resources, expert advice, and a supportive network dedicated to enhancing workplace wellbeing. Engage with industry leading Partner Experts, participate in our educational Employer Support Groups (ESGs), and implement strategies that make a real difference.

Elevate your workplace wellbeing initiatives by joining Includability today.

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