The ultimate guide to wellbeing at work: part one

This essential guide explores what wellbeing in the workplace actually means and why it is a necessity for employers to make sure they have this at the forefront of their minds to look after the welfare of their employees.

Read on to find out all the benefits and head over to part two to see how employers and employees implement a wellbeing workplace environment.

Part One

In our post-pandemic era, as we emerge back into the office or commit to working from home, wellbeing in the workplace is definitely of utmost importance. Through workplace wellbeing, it is clear that employers can improve their working environment with healthier and happier employees. UK Mental Health charities, such as Mind, have provided research which shows higher wellbeing measures at work equals higher productivity and happier staff. 

There could be an argument from employers that staff wellbeing is down to the individual, and not the organisation. However, the majority of responsible employers see a role for themselves in the health of their employees. For example, Myles Wellbeing certainly takes an active role in promoting a culture of wellbeing in the workplace. Follow this ultimate guide to see some of Myles Wellbeing’s top tips for wellbeing at work.

Defining wellbeing

The word wellbeing has certainly become a buzzword and we are always told the importance of it. However, do we actually know what it means?

When we think about defining wellbeing, a sense of happiness and healthiness seem to jump out at us. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), a handy tool for any word puzzles, shows pretty much exactly this: it defines wellbeing as the state of doing well in life, in a happy, healthy, or prosperous condition.

Why is wellbeing at work important?

Our good friend, the OED, also emphasises how wellbeing concerns itself with the moral or physical welfare of a person or community. This latter point of physical welfare, or physical activity per se, is crucial to achieving wellbeing in the workplace. 

Research has shown how an improvement in physical wellbeing is intrinsically linked to an improvement in work performance. Alongside productivity, physical wellbeing reduces sick days and increases retention. These are just some of the numerous benefits of physical exercise in the workplace.

Looking at wellbeing holistically is key because although physical activity is often at the forefront of our minds when we think of the buzzword, mental health and stress management, including financial stress, are equally as important.

For example, in 2020/2021 work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 50 percent of all work-related ill health. We can work up to 40 hours each week, and in some cases even longer, and so looking after ourselves and other employees is crucial to preventing such ill health and causing long term damage. 

Now that you know what wellbeing at work is and why it is important, check out part two of our ultimate guide to find out how to have wellbeing in the workplace.