Five things you need to know before implementing a wellbeing program

well-being, workplace health

Before businesses start on a new workplace wellbeing program, they should consider five facts to make sure they are helping, not hindering employees.

Research from the Workplace Wellbeing report, based on a survey of 1000 Australian workers, shows that programs have to more meaningful than just “work-perks” to improve wellbeing. In order to make wellbeing programs more meaningful, there are five key facts to know:

FACT 1Half (51 per cent) of Australian workers believe unrealistic workload expectations have the greatest negative impact on wellbeing in the workplace

Unrealistic workload expectations had the greatest negative impact on well-being according to Australian workers. If workers are drowning in more deadlines than there are hours in the day, taking any time to talk about workplace well-being is going to sound incredibly tone-deaf.

FACT 2The majority (75 per cent) of Australian workers believe wellbeing includes both physical and mental wellbeing

Encourage both physical and mental health side by side.

FACT 3 – More than a third (38 per cent) of Australian workers believe low team morale has the most negative impact on the workplace

Boost morale with team-oriented events – don’t neglect socialising from your overall workplace wellbeing plan. However small, find a balance that works for your team – it might be a sports team or it might be an office lunch to get the team together and celebrate your successes.

FACT 4 – Half (51 per cent) of Australians say family is one of the biggest stressors in their life

For those with caring responsibilities, making it easier for them to prioritise family commitments will go some way to alleviate stress. Consider whether your workplace needs an Employee Assistance Program that is available to family members too.

FACT 5 – About three-quarters (74 per cent) of workers believe wellbeing programs are worth the time and money

The majority of workers said wellbeing programs are worth both the time and money, so have confidence in the knowledge that this investment is worth it for employees.

Dr Lindsay McMillan, Lead Researcher, Reventure