By Raghu Kshitiz
The impact of workplace well-being is a topic that is
becoming increasingly important in today's workforce as workplace well-being is
an important consideration for organizations and managers.
Workplace well-being can be defined as the overall health of
employees in the workplace. This includes physical, mental, and emotional
health, as well as overall job satisfaction. When employees feel well and happy
at work, they are more engaged, productive, and motivated. This, in turn, leads
to higher levels of job satisfaction and better performance.
It is essential that employers prioritize the well-being of
their employees because more employees spend a significant portion of their
lives at work. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it also has a positive
impact on the bottom line.
Nepal Labor Act 2074(2017) has also provisioned mandatory safety
and well-being at the workplace. In section 12, it states that “Formulation
of safety and health Policy: (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the
rules framed under this Act and directions given pursuant to this Act and the
rules framed under this Act, the employer shall formulate and implement a
policy on safety and health of the labors and other persons at the workplace.”
In order to promote workplace well-being, employers can
implement wellness programs, provide access to mental health resources, and
create a positive work-life balance. This can include on-site fitness classes,
healthy eating options, stress management workshops, counseling services,
employee assistance programs, and flexible work arrangements such as remote
work, flexible schedules, and paid time off.
There are several ways that employers can promote workplace well-being
and one of the key ways to promote this is through the implementation of
wellness programs. The programs can include things such as healthy eating
options, on-site fitness classes, stress management workshops, etc.
By providing these resources, employers are showing their
employees that they care about their well-being and are committed to helping
them lead healthier and happier lives.
Another important aspect of workplace well-being is creating
a positive work-life balance. This means allowing employees the flexibility to
take time off when they need it and encouraging them to disconnect from work
when they are not on the clock. This can be achieved through the implementation
of flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible schedules, and paid
time off.
In addition to improving employee well-being, promoting
workplace well-being also has a positive impact on the bottom line.
Impact
While, workplace well-being has a significant impact on
employees and employers alike because it is essential for employers to
prioritize the well-being of their employees, as it not only has moral benefits
but also financial benefits. Whereas, workplace well-being encompasses
physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as overall job satisfaction on
the employee side.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
identifies seven interrelated ‘domains’ of employee wellbeing, guided by the
principle that an effective employee wellbeing strategy needs to go far beyond
a series of standalone initiatives. They are Health, Good work, Values, Social,
Personal growth, Good lifestyle choices, and Financial well-being.
Studies have shown that companies with strong wellness programs experience lower absenteeism and turnover rates, and higher levels of employee engagement. This leads to increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved overall performance.
When employees feel well and happy at work, they are more
productive, engaged, and motivated. This leads to higher levels of job
satisfaction, better performance, and lower turnover rates. Moreover, employees
who feel supported in their well-being are more likely to have a better
work-life balance, which can reduce stress and increase overall life satisfaction.
On the employer side, promoting workplace well-being can
lead to lower absenteeism, higher levels of employee engagement, increased
productivity, and reduced healthcare costs. This can ultimately result in
improved overall performance and financial benefits for the company.
Overall, workplace well-being is a crucial aspect of a
successful and healthy work environment. Employers should prioritize the
well-being of their employees to see positive impacts on both the employees and
the company.
