The Crucial Link Between Employee Wellbeing and Engagement. Insights from Miriam Sundholm.
In today's business landscape, the success of a company significantly hinges on the wellbeing and engagement of its employees. With over five years of experience supporting companies in this domain, Miriam Sundholm provides invaluable insights into this crucial relationship. Wellbeing and engagement are deeply interconnected, forming the foundation of a thriving workplace. Understanding how these elements interplay is essential for organizations aiming to enhance productivity, reduce turnover, and foster a positive work environment.
Employee Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
Employee wellbeing is multifaceted, but it’s strongly connected to work-life balance and feeling cared for. 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.
“Employees who strongly agree that their employer cares about their overall wellbeing are three times more likely to be engaged at work. ”
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.
The Link Between Wellbeing and Employee Experience
The link between employee wellbeing and engagement 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.
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.
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 and strengthen the organization's brand.
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.
The Aumla team at work
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.
Fewer Safety Incidents: A supportive work environment reduces stress and burnout, which can contribute to a decrease in workplace accidents and safety incidents.
The Connection Between Wellbeing and Turnover
Studies have shown that investing in employee health and wellbeing leads to improved retention rates. According to Mercer, companies with robust wellbeing programs report significantly lower turnover rates. Employees who feel supported in their overall wellbeing are more likely to stay with their current employer, contributing to a more stable and engaged workforce.
What Makes an Effective Wellbeing Program?
An effective wellbeing program supports employees' physical, mental, and emotional health through a variety of initiatives. Key components include encouraging physical activity with gym memberships and wellness challenges, providing mental health support with counseling services and stress management workshops, and promoting work-life balance through flexible schedules and remote work options. Additionally, offering holistic health activities like guided meditation and nutrition workshops, alongside fostering a supportive and caring work environment, ensures employees feel valued and empowered, leading to increased retention, productivity, and job satisfaction.
Conclusion
The symbiotic relationship between employee wellbeing and engagement is undeniable. At the core of employee engagement lies the wellbeing of employees, intertwined with feeling valued, heard, and recognized. Companies that invest in creating a supportive environment where employees feel their overall wellbeing is prioritized will not only see an increase in engagement but will also benefit from higher productivity, reduced turnover, and a stronger overall performance. Prioritizing employee wellbeing is not just a moral imperative but a strategic business decision that drives success and sustainability in today's competitive marketplace.
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.
