The well-being of employees in the workplace has become a key element of the organization’s success. Companies are increasingly realizing that taking care of the health and well-being of employees not only contributes to improving the atmosphere at work, but also has a number of benefits for both employees and the organization itself. With the dynamic development of the concept of wellbeing in the workplace, more and more companies are introducing comprehensive strategies to ensure the physical, mental and emotional health of their employees.

The Gallup Institute, being a recognized research unit in the field of positive psychology, identifies five categories that make up human wellbeing:

• Physical dimension – includes physical health, physical activity, energy and body resistance. This dimension of wellbeing is concerned with taking care of your body through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and appropriate health habits.
• Emotional dimension – concerns the ability to recognize and manage one’s own emotions, positive relationships with other people and the ability to cope with stress. The emotional dimension includes developing emotional awareness, the ability to express and regulate emotions, and building healthy interpersonal relationships.
• Social dimension – focuses on the quality of social relationships, social support and a sense of belonging. This dimension of wellbeing concerns the quality of interaction with other people, building lasting relationships, support from family, friends and community.
• Professional dimension – concerns satisfaction and success at work, a sense of professional meaning and fulfillment, and work-life balance. This dimension includes a sense of fulfillment in the work performed, the possibility of professional and personal development, and the ability to harmoniously reconcile work and private life.
• Intellectual dimension – involves developing and expanding your intellectual skills, creativity, problem solving skills and cognitive curiosity. The intellectual dimension of wellbeing includes learning, developing cognitive skills, expanding knowledge and engaging in intellectual challenges.

All these five categories of wellbeing are interrelated and mutually affect the overall state of human well-being. Focusing on developing and caring for each of them can contribute to achieving a fuller and more balanced life.

Wellbeing in the company refers to a comprehensive approach to the well-being of employees, which includes both physical and mental, emotional and social aspects. It is a term that describes the holistic concern for employees and their well-being in the workplace.

Wellbeing in the company assumes that employees are treated as whole individuals, and not just as tools to achieve business goals. It focuses on creating a work environment that is conducive to the health, motivation, commitment and balance of professional and private life of employees.

Factors that affect wellbeing in the company are most often:

• Physical aspects – providing an ergonomic workplace, promoting physical activity, providing health care and access to preventive examinations.
• Mental and emotional aspects – supporting mental health, providing psychological support and access to services such as counseling and therapy, promoting work-life balance.
• Organizational culture – creating an atmosphere based on mutual respect, cooperation and support, promoting personal and professional development, the opportunity to participate in decision-making and influence processes in the company.
• Sustainable Lifestyle – Encourage healthy eating, adequate sleep, stress management, regular rest and work-life balance.

Wellbeing in the company brings many benefits to both employees and the organization itself. It improves the motivation, commitment and efficiency of employees, reduces absenteeism due to illness, increases employee retention, improves the company’s image, builds a positive organizational culture and contributes to achieving better business results.

Implementing strategies and practices related to wellbeing in the company is an investment that brings long-term benefits to both employees and the organization. This means caring for the entire spectrum of employees’ needs and creating a work environment in which they can develop, be healthy and successful individuals.

Activities related to wellbeing solutions at work bring many benefits to both employees and the organization. Here are some main advantages:

• Improving the health and well-being of employees

Wellbeing strategies in the workplace focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle, physical fitness and a healthy diet. They also support various types of rest and teach stress management techniques. As a result, employees can enjoy better health, increased energy and better physical and mental well-being.

• Increasing employee involvement

Employees who feel valued, supported and able to take care of their health and well-being are more engaged at work. Activities related to wellbeing at work programs create a bond between employees and the organization, which translates into greater motivation to achieve goals and better results at work.

• Reduction of absenteeism due to illness

Investing in the health and well-being of employees can contribute to reducing absenteeism due to sickness. Employees who have access to prevention programs, health care and support in dealing with health problems reduce the risk of illness and the need to take sick leave.

• Increasing employee retention

A company that cares about the well-being of employees builds loyalty and commitment. Employees who feel valued and have the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally are more likely to stay with the organization for a longer period of time. This translates into reduced costs related to recruitment and training of new employees.

• Improvement of the company’s image

Organizations that focus on the well-being of employees build a positive image as an employer who cares about people. This can attract highly qualified candidates for work and contribute to building a positive image of the company in the business community.

• Increasing efficiency and business results

Healthy and motivated employees are more effective and productive. Activities related to wellbeing at work, such as promoting a healthy lifestyle, supporting personal and professional development and creating an appropriate work environment, contribute to improving efficiency and achieving better business results.

Activities related to wellbeing at work are an investment that brings benefits to both sides of the organization. It is therefore a win-win situation where employee well-being and organizational success go hand in hand.

Introducing activities that care for wellbeing in the organization requires a systematic approach and commitment from both the management and the entire team. Here are some steps to take to achieve this goal:

• Needs analysis and assessment of the current situation – conduct an analysis of employee needs and assessment of the current situation in terms of wellbeing in the organization. Consult with employees, conduct research or surveys to understand what areas need improvement and which ones are a priority.

• Management commitment – It is important that the management of the organization is committed to the wellbeing initiative and is at the forefront of its implementation. Leaders must show support, both verbally and by translating wellbeing values ​​into policy and organizational decisions.

• Education and awareness – organize training and workshops for employees on the importance of wellbeing, the benefits of self-care and how to manage stress and maintain balance. Improving awareness is key to the successful implementation of wellbeing activities.

• Implementation of programs and initiatives – Develop and implement a variety of programs and initiatives related to wellbeing. These may include promoting physical activity at work, organizing training on healthy lifestyles, providing healthy catering, providing access to health counseling or organizing relaxation activities.

• Create a healthy work environment – Create a work environment that promotes the health and well-being of employees. This includes providing ergonomic workplaces, access to natural light and fresh air, as well as building an organizational culture based on respect, cooperation and support.

• Monitoring and evaluation – Regularly monitor and evaluate the wellbeing actions implemented. Study their effectiveness, collect employee feedback and adjust programs to better meet their needs.

• Employee communication and engagement – It is important to maintain constant communication with employees about wellbeing activities and initiatives in the company. Include employees in the decision-making process, give them the opportunity to express their opinions and participate in wellbeing programs.

Source:https://wellbeingpolska.pl/wellbeing-w-pracy-jakie-bring-benefits/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.