Return on wellness: enhancing employee well-being and performance

In Short:
– Employee well-being enhances business outcomes by improving decision-making, performance, and reducing absenteeism.
– Organizations should focus on proactive wellness initiatives and clear communication to manage mental health effectively.

The concept of “return on wellness” suggests that employee well-being can enhance business outcomes, including improved decision-making and lower absenteeism. When employees understand their contributions, performance improves.

To mitigate mental risks, Elizabeth Blackley recommended “implementing the pause.”

This strategy encourages clarity in decision-making, particularly under pressure, by treating mental risks similarly to physical risks.

Organizations can then identify and address friction points before they escalate into more significant issues.

Workplace productivity is heavily influenced by the environment.

It is essential for companies to maintain smooth workflows to prevent chronic stress, which can negatively impact performance.

Younger generations are increasingly aware of psychosocial risks and seek employment with organizations that genuinely reflect their stated values.

Many wellness initiatives are reactive rather than proactive.

Transparent communication

Blackley stressed that organizations should focus on prevention, ensuring Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) address real-life events rather than just workplace-related stress.

Clear and transparent communication is crucial during times of uncertainty and layoffs to manage organizations effectively.

Blackley wrote the book ROW Your Business to Health to explore the prevalence of burnout and how workplace systems can be redesigned to better support human wellbeing and performance.

The book is published by Hembury Books

She believes the root of the issue lies not in individual resilience but in structural problems across various workplaces.