Stress at work is often an unavoidable part of the job. However, in the UK, a staggering 76 percent of employees report that they experience a moderate-to-high or high level of stress. Perhaps more alarmingly, that’s a year-on-year increase of 13 percent between 2022 and 2023. Similarly, in the US, 77 percent of workers also report feeling stressed at work, with 57 percent of those workers also experiencing negative health effects as a result of their stress. 

So, for employers, the well-being of their employees ought to be more crucial than ever. Fostering a workplace culture that values and prioritises the health and happiness of its employees is essential to maintain a happy, productive, and reliable workforce. From reducing stress and increasing productivity to enhancing overall job satisfaction, the benefits of investing in employee well-being are clear. 

But what does it mean to prioritise employee well-being? In this article, we'll explore the importance of prioritising employee well-being in the workplace, as well as take a closer look at the positive impact it can have on organisational success, employee satisfaction, and overall workplace culture. From flexible work arrangements to comprehensive wellness programs, we'll discuss effective strategies that companies can implement to support employee health and well-being. 

By understanding the importance of prioritising employee well-being and identifying both the good and bad practices in this area, companies can take meaningful steps towards creating healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces for everyone.

The importance of employee well-being 

Research and statistics consistently highlight the profound impact that employee health and well-being have on various aspects of organisational performance. For example, studies have shown that companies that prioritise employee well-being experience numerous benefits, including improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher employee morale. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), workplaces that promote mental health and well-being are associated with increased productivity and profitability. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be engaged in their work and demonstrate greater commitment to their organisation's goals. 

Investing in employee well-being can lead to significant gains in productivity. Research conducted by Gallup found that more highly engaged teams are 21% more productive than their less engaged counterparts. When employees feel physically and mentally well, they are better able to focus on their tasks, make effective decisions, and collaborate with colleagues. Initiatives such as flexible work arrangements and wellness programs can help employees manage their workload more effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance, further enhancing productivity. 

Employee absenteeism can have a hugely detrimental impact on organisational performance and profitability. However, companies that prioritise employee well-being often experience lower rates of absenteeism. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that companies with comprehensive wellness programs reported a much lower absenteeism rate per employee per year, than organisations without such programs. Similarly, a study in the Harvard Business Review reported that companies with high participation in their employee wellness programs saw absenteeism rates drop hugely, one company reported a drop of 19%. By promoting physical and mental health initiatives, employers can help reduce the occurrence of illnesses and stress-related absences, thereby minimising disruptions to workflow and operations. 

Employee morale plays a crucial role in shaping organisational culture and employee satisfaction. As employees, when we feel supported and valued, we are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and committed to our work. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that 91% of employees at companies that support well-being initiatives feel motivated to do their best, compared to only 63% of employees at organizations without such initiatives. By creating a positive work environment that prioritises employee well-being, companies can foster a culture of trust, loyalty, and camaraderie, leading to higher levels of morale and job satisfaction. 

Good workplace initiatives for employee well-being 

We’ve already established that prioritising employee well-being is crucial for maintaining a happy, healthy, and productive workforce. But what can employers be doing to provide a better working environment? Whether you’re on the look for your next role, or looking to improve your company's offerings, here are some effective workplace initiatives to consider that promote employee health and well-being: 

• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible schedules, offer numerous benefits for both employees and employers. By allowing employees to work from home or adjust their work hours, organisations can accommodate individual needs and preferences, leading to increased job satisfaction and work-life balance. Remote work options also reduce commuting stress and provide opportunities for employees to better manage their personal and professional responsibilities, while also reducing overhead costs for employers too. 
   

• Wellness schemes are designed to support employee health and well-being by promoting physical fitness, mental health, and stress management. These programmes often include activities such as exercise classes, nutrition workshops, mindfulness sessions, and access to mental health resources. By investing in employee wellness, organisations can improve morale, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall employee satisfaction and engagement. 
   

• Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) offer confidential counseling and support services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges. EAPs provide a safe and confidential space for employees to seek assistance with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or family problems. By offering access to professional counseling and support resources, a company can demonstrate its commitment to employee well-being and foster a culture of care and support. From an employee perspective, EAPs can not only help keep them in work while times are difficult by providing the right support, but these programmes can also help employees find balance in their home life too, without costing them when financial strain may already be a concern. 
   

• Work-life balance policies, such as paid time off, parental leave, and flexible hours, are essential for supporting employees in managing their personal and professional responsibilities. These policies recognise the importance of allowing employees to prioritise their well-being and family commitments while fulfilling their work duties. By offering paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and parental responsibilities, companies can help their employees to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 
   

• A positive work environment is essential for fostering employee well-being and satisfaction. A supportive and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion promotes employee engagement, collaboration, and creativity. By creating an environment with open communication, employee opportunities for professional growth and development, and that recognise employee contributions, companies can create a positive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to perform their best. 

Effective workplace initiatives that prioritise employee well-being play a vital role in creating a healthy, happy, and engaged workforce. By investing in employee well-being, companies can improve employee morale, productivity, and retention, leading to long-term success and sustainability for both the organisation and their employees. 

Common challenges and workplace practices to avoid 

In the pursuit of fostering a workplace that prioritises employee well-being, it's essential to address the common challenges and negative practices that can negatively impact employees' health and happiness. 

• Overwork and burnout – one of the most common reasons for workplace stress is overwork and burnout. According to CareerBuilder’s survey on stress in the workplace, 31% of respondents report extremely high levels of stress at work. They also revealed that high-stress levels typically manifest in poor physical and mental health. Employees often face demanding workloads and tight deadlines, leading to prolonged periods of stress and exhaustion. When employees consistently work long hours without adequate rest or breaks, it can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Burnout, characterised by feelings of exhaustion, depression, and reduced effectiveness, becomes a real concern. Employers must recognise the signs of burnout and take proactive measures to prevent it by promoting work-life balance and implementing strategies to manage workload effectively. 
   

• Lack of work-life balance – a lack of work-life balance can exacerbate the problem of overwork and contribute to increased stress and dissatisfaction among employees. Without clear policies and support for work-life balance, employees may struggle to juggle their professional responsibilities with personal commitments and activities. This imbalance can cause employees to feel overwhelmed and may even feel some resentment and disengagement as a result. Employers can address this challenge by offering flexible work arrangements, promoting time management skills, and encouraging employees to prioritise self-care and leisure activities outside of work. 
   

• Poor management practices – effective leadership is crucial for creating a positive work environment that prioritises employee well-being. Unfortunately, poor management practices, such as micromanagement, lack of communication, and ineffective leadership, can have hugely detrimental effects on employee morale and mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, four in ten workers (42%) feel micromanaged at work. Perhaps more insightful is that those who feel micromanaged are much more likely to also report feeling stressed during their workday, a staggering 64 percent compared to 36 percent of those who do not feel micromanaged. When employees feel micromanaged or unsupported by their managers, it leads to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and disengagement. Employers must invest in leadership development and provide managers with the skills and tools needed to support and empower their teams effectively. 
   

• Limited access to resources – access to resources, such as mental health support and wellness programs, is essential for promoting employee well-being. However, many workplaces struggle to provide adequate resources and support for their employees' mental and physical health needs. Limited access to resources can hinder employees' ability to cope with stress, manage their mental health, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Employers should prioritise investing in employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and wellness initiatives to support their employees' well-being. As a job-hunter, when talking with a new company, make sure to ask about the resources on offer as part of their wellness offering! 
   

• Toxic work environment – perhaps one of the most significant challenges to employee well-being is a toxic work environment characterised by harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Toxic workplaces erode trust, while also building a sense of fear and resentment within employees which in turn, creates barriers to effective collaboration and productivity. Employers must take a zero-tolerance approach to toxic behavior and create a culture of respect, inclusivity, and psychological safety in the workplace to ensure they’re providing an environment in which their workforce can thrive and feel safe. 

Addressing these common challenges and negative practices is essential for creating a workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being. By recognising and eliminating these obstacles, employers can build a supportive and healthy work environment where employees can thrive and contribute to organisational success. 

How Hamlyn Williams’ supports employee well-being 

As experts in the recruitment industry, Hamlyn Williams has first-hand insights from candidates about what is important to them and their well-being. Using this feedback, Hamlyn Williams has taken huge strides to ensure every employee has a voice, is heard, and can feel safe and well-balanced at work. Each of the Hamlyn Williams offices has its own Wellness Committee dedicated specifically to each office’s wellbeing from a microculture level. With a focus on supporting employees these committees are designed to support employee’s mental and physical health, financial wellbeing, as well as working to continually develop the company culture as well as ensuring the corporate social responsibility (CSR), and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) duties. 

For many at Hamlyn Williams, flexibility around their working location is a big contributing factor to employee satisfaction. With policies focused on time off to support employees work-life balance, such as generous PTO, wellbeing day, work from anywhere and sabbatical leave. Hamlyn Williams is focused on continuing to develop the most well-rounded employee well-being package possible. 

Mentorship support and feedback processes also mean that no employee need ever feel lost, unsupported, or unheard. Hamlyn Williams actively encourages regular feedback from their employees to support their ethos of continual improvement and growth. Learning is part of the journey, for both employee and employer! 

Don't forget 

Stress has become an all too common colleague for many employees. With a significant percentage of workers reporting high levels of stress, leading to negative health effects and decreased job satisfaction, it’s a factor employers can’t ignore. As these numbers continue to rise year on year, it's clear that prioritising employee well-being has never been more crucial. 

Employers must recognise that the health and happiness of their employees are paramount to maintaining a happy, productive, and reliable workforce. Investing in workplace initiatives that support employee well-being not only reduces stress and increases productivity but also enhances overall job satisfaction and workplace culture while also reducing the costly problem of headcount churn. 

From overwork and burnout to poor management practices and toxic work environments, there are numerous obstacles that employers must address to create a supportive and healthy workplace. By understanding the importance of prioritising employee well-being and identifying both the good and bad practices in this area, companies can take meaningful steps towards creating healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces for everyone. 

At Hamlyn Williams, we understand the importance of employee well-being, and we're committed to supporting our team members every step of the way. If you're interested in joining the Hamlyn Williams team, get in touch today.