The Crucial Link Between Employee Wellbeing and Engagement. Insights by Miriam Sundholm.
In the modern business landscape, the success of a company hinges significantly on the wellbeing and engagement of its employees. These two factors are interconnected and form the foundation for a thriving workplace. Miriam Sundholm, who has over five years of experience supporting companies in this area, offers invaluable insights into this relationship.
Understanding the connection between employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention is essential for organizations aiming to enhance productivity, reduce turnover, and foster a positive work environment. In this article, we delve into Miriam's expertise to explore how prioritizing these elements can lead to a more successful and resilient organization.
The Core of Employee Wellbeing: Work-Life Balance
Employee wellbeing is multifaceted, but at its core lies the critical element of work-life balance. Achieving a harmonious balance between professional responsibilities and personal life is crucial for maintaining overall health and satisfaction. When employees feel that their personal lives are respected and supported, they are more likely to be content, less stressed, and more productive, leading to higher employee retention.
The Aumla team working together
The Core of Employee Engagement: Wellbeing & Feeling Valued, Heard, and Recognized
Employee engagement is driven by the extent to which employees feel their wellbeing is prioritized, along with being valued, heard, and recognized within the workplace. Engagement flourishes in environments where employees believe their contributions are meaningful, their voices matter, and their overall wellbeing is taken into consideration. Recognition, appreciation, and a focus on wellbeing play significant roles in cultivating a committed and motivated workforce, thereby enhancing employee loyalty.
The Link Between Wellbeing and Employee Experience
The link between employee wellbeing, engagement, and retention is supported by compelling data from a Gallup survey of American companies:
Enhanced Engagement: Employees who strongly agree that their employer cares about their overall wellbeing are three times more likely to be engaged at work. This increased engagement translates to higher levels of motivation and commitment, driving better performance and innovation, which in turn improves employee retention.
Reduced Job Search: When employees feel that their wellbeing is prioritized, they are 69% less likely to actively search for a new job. This reduction in turnover intentions highlights the importance of wellbeing in retaining top talent and enhancing employee loyalty.
Lower Burnout: Employees who believe their wellbeing is a priority are 71% less likely to report experiencing significant burnout. This underscores the protective effect of a supportive work environment against the detrimental effects of chronic stress and exhaustion.
Advocacy and Trust: Employees who feel cared for by their employer are five times more likely to strongly advocate for their company as a great place to work and five times more likely to strongly agree that they trust the leadership of their organization. These sentiments foster a positive corporate reputation, strengthen the organization's brand, and boost employee loyalty.
Overall Thriving: Such employees are also 36% more likely to be thriving in their overall lives, reflecting the holistic impact of workplace wellbeing on individual happiness and fulfillment, enhancing the overall employee experience.
Organizational Benefits of Prioritizing Wellbeing
Organizations that prioritize employee wellbeing experience a range of benefits that extend beyond individual employees. Teams that feel their organization cares about their wellbeing exhibit:
Higher Customer Engagement: Engaged employees are more likely to provide exceptional service, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Increased Profitability and Productivity: The enhanced motivation and commitment of engaged employees drive better business outcomes, including increased profitability and productivity.
Lower Turnover: Reduced turnover intentions lead to lower recruitment and training costs, as well as the retention of valuable institutional knowledge, boosting employee retention.
Fewer Safety Incidents: A supportive work environment reduces stress and burnout, which can contribute to a decrease in workplace accidents and safety incidents.
Looking for ways to improve wellbeing for your team?
Book a free 30 minute discovery call with Miriam Sundholm to see how Aumla can support your health and wellbeing goals.