The importance of wellbeing in the workplace

Only 13% of employees around the world feel engaged in their day-to-day work. This figure should worry businesses. Engagement is a key driver of performance and productivity. The emotional happiness of employees makes for better work environments and more successful companies.

We believe it’s important for employers, and job seekers, to value workplace wellbeing. That’s the way people feel about their lives, and their jobs, and the relationships they have with the people around them. There are many ways to do this including

• a culture of openness where people can speak and be heard
• two-way communication that gives people everything they need to be able to do their job
• work-life balance that allows people to rest well and manage busy periods

It’s a two-way street. Employees can do much to bring their best self to work. Employers also need to recognise the importance of well-being in the workplace. And consider that in the way they run a workplace.

Why is wellbeing important in the workplace?

We, as workers, bosses and employees, have four needs to be met at work:

• Physical – the chance to regularly recharge in the workplace
• Emotional – the need to feel valued for our contributions
• Mental – the ability to be able to focus on our work, and work flexibly
• Spiritual – the chance to do what we enjoy and feeling connected to a higher purpose at work

There is a clear business benefit to ensuring employees are happy. Research at the University of Warwick revealed the full scale of the importance of wellbeing. Employees are 12% more productive when they’re happy, they showed. We’re also more creative and more able to solve problems when content in what we do.

Wellbeing in the workplace

Companies in Sweden are piloting a six-hour working day to increase productivity and better work-life balance. French workers recently secured legal rights to avoid work emails outside working hours. German car manufacturer, Daimler, set up an optional service for workers going on holiday that automatically deleted new emails while they were away.

We believe there is a significant benefit for both employee and employer when people are happy in their job. That’s why we partner with companies who value their people. And recognise the importance of wellbeing. We want to connect them to job seekers that will work with them to continue their personal and professional growth.

Find roles with companies who well-being initiatives here.