Modern companies need to consider the emotional and mental health of employees, argues Paul Cash, CEO of Rooster Punk
Family and friends, a successful career, a decent salary and good health all make life more worthwhile. But when it comes to gauging life satisfaction, things like emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing really count.
There are countless companies who have traditionally defined employee ‘wellbeing’ by physical health, financial stability and professional fulfilment. But companies that focus on these elements alone are missing the mark. While incentives such as subsidised gym memberships, fitness programmes and performance-based bonuses are attractive, they’re not enough to keep your workforce happy and healthy.
Great employers recognise that an employee’s wellbeing can have a huge impact on their physical health and job performance. According to data from Mercer, unhealthy workers are costing UK companies £58 billion a year in lost productivity, so your workforce’s wellness can have a detrimental impact on your bottom line.
Infusing wellness programmes with opportunities for more social interaction will give employees a broader sense of connectedness to their company. Second Home, for instance, is a creative workspace and also Rooster Punk’s HQ, which promotes mindfulness through regular professional development talks, daily coffee meet-ups for members and meditation breaks. Its focus on balancing emotional and physical wellbeing makes its members feel included in the culture it has created.
It’s no surprise that Google was one of the first companies to promote emotional wellbeing for its employees with its ‘Optimise your life’ programme. Benefits range from life coaching and deep sleep sessions, to support groups and energy pods for 20-minute breaks.
Once you’re ready to invest in the emotional wellbeing of your team and business, you’re going to need to get everyone in your organisation to bond and work towards the same goals.
Storifying this change by providing some perspective on the importance of wellbeing for the business, why you want to do more and the outcomes – the positive impacts for the business and individuals – will only serve to strengthen your reputation as a good employer brand.
