World Wellbeing Week
World Wellbeing Week, celebrated annually in the last week of June (Monday 24 to Sunday 30), offers a significant opportunity to shine a spotlight on the multifaceted aspects of wellbeing, including social, physical, financial, mental, and emotional. For employees, this week is a crucial reminder of the importance of holistic health in the workplace.
Celebrating World Wellbeing Week
World Wellbeing Week celebrates the various dimensions of wellbeing by promoting awareness and encouraging actions that lead to healthier lifestyles and environments. The week acknowledges the diverse factors contributing to overall health, from mental resilience and physical fitness to social connections and financial stability. For workplaces, this celebration is a powerful reminder to prioritise and integrate wellbeing into their culture, ensuring that employees not only survive but thrive.
Why is World Wellbeing Week important?
The importance of wellbeing in the workplace cannot be overstated. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), work-related stress, anxiety, and depression account for 49% of all work-related ill health in the UK in 2022/23. This equates to 875,000 workers. These statistics underscore the need for a proactive approach to occupational health, focusing not just on physical safety but also on mental and emotional wellness.
When employees feel supported and valued, their productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction soar, making it a win-win scenario for both employers and their people. Conversely, neglecting employee wellbeing can lead to increased absenteeism, high turnover rates, and diminished performance. A study by Deloitte found that poor mental health costs UK employers between £53-56 billion each year, emphasising the financial impact of overlooking employee wellbeing.
How Occupational Health can support employee wellbeing:
The case for employer investment is stronger than ever, with the same Deloitte study indicating that employers could see an average £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support.
Occupational health is a pivotal component of a balanced and impactful wellbeing strategy. An investment into proactive occupational health solutions helps to foster a healthy and productive workforce. Here are several ways occupational health initiatives can support all pillars of employee wellbeing:
- Mental health support: Implementing comprehensive mental health programmes, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counselling services, educational resources, and mental health webinars and workshops can help employees manage stress and mental health challenges effectively.
- Physical health initiatives: Encouraging regular physical activity through corporate wellness programmes, gym memberships, or workplace fitness challenges can improve physical health, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.
- Work-life balance: Promoting flexible working arrangements, such as remote or part-time work, redistribution of tasks among a team, or flexible hours all help employees balance their workloads with their personal lives. This helps to reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction.
- Health screenings and interventions: Regular health screenings and tailored interventions can detect early signs of health issues, allowing for timely treatment and prevention strategies. This proactive approach ensures employees remain healthy and capable of performing their roles effectively.
- Educational workshops: Hosting workshops on topics such as stress management, nutrition, Mental Health First Aid, and financial wellbeing can equip employees with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health.
Given the diverse nature of the UK workforce, with varying job roles, a one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing will not suffice. Occupational health programmes should be inclusive, taking into account the specific needs and challenges faced by different employees.
Conclusion
World Wellbeing Week is a timely reminder for UK employers to prioritise occupational health as a cornerstone of their organisational wellbeing strategy. By supporting the mental, physical, and emotional health of employees, companies can create a thriving, productive, and engaged workforce. As the statistics show, the benefits of investing in employee wellbeing extend beyond individual health, leading to substantial organisational gains. Let’s use this week as a catalyst to make lasting, positive changes in our workplaces, ensuring that employee wellbeing remains a top priority all year round.