Why is wellbeing important in the workplace?

Boosts productivity

While short-term stress actually boosts productivity (there’s nothing like a looming deadline to supercharge the creative process), long-term chronic stress has the opposite effect. Overworked employees don’t have the energy to perform their best. After all, it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup.

Research shows that higher levels of workplace wellbeing are directly linked to greater productivity across all industries – partly because employees who feel valued are more motivated to give back and partly because of fewer absences due to sickness.

Improves relationships

Wellbeing at work is so much more than a couple of complementary breakfasts and fitness classes. Instead, it encourages people to build meaningful relationships with their colleagues, employers and employees.

Liking the people you work with or, at the very least, feeling neutral towards them is vital to your overall satisfaction. There’s nothing worse than a bully or having arguments every time you enter the office!

In fact, one report found that employees are 26% more likely to quit their jobs if there’s a low level of respect between colleagues. Additionally, 61% of participants said that trust between themselves and senior management was imperative.

Combats burnout

Burnout isn’t an abstract concept – it’s a debilitating condition that leads to sleep disturbances, detachment from purpose and unhappiness at work. Shockingly, research suggests as many as 88% of UK employees have experienced some level of physical and mental exhaustion, mainly thanks to their professional obligations.

Unsurprisingly, prioritising employee health and wellbeing combats burnout for a more fulfilled and capable workforce.

Better employee retention rates

For management, workplace wellbeing is critical if you want to retain your most talented employees. How do you convince the best people to stay? Listen to their feedback, offer opportunities for growth and compensate them fairly.

A LinkedIn report revealed that 93% of employees would stay at a company longer if it nurtured their career development. Stagnation is one of the leading factors of poor retention rates.

4 ways to improve your wellbeing at work

1. Focus on work/life balance

Work/life balance is a tricky concept for most people, especially because society often puts “the grind” ahead of self-care practices. However, working too hard leads to illness, including mood disorders like depression, high blood pressure and even heart attacks.

Thankfully, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Visit our friendly wellness clinic to speak to a professional. Alongside your healthcare provider, our knowledgeable lifestyle coaches can help you to reassess your work-life balance for enhanced wellbeing.

Searching for something more in-depth? Step away from stress with a luxurious weekend or week-long residential health retreat. Our comprehensive packages are sanctuaries away from stress, offering much-needed time away from daily to-dos.

We particularly love the Mind Body Restorer package. It focuses on lowering cortisol levels, balancing hormones and reinstating a sense of control.

2. Stay active throughout the day

Supercharging employee wellbeing is as easy as staying active throughout the day. Alongside enhancing your physical fitness, you’ll notice a dramatic increase in your productivity and cognitive function.

One study showed that exercise had a positive impact on self‐reported workplace performance. Participants noted a 72% improvement in time management and work completed on the days they moved more.

Low-intensity exercise is more effective than high-intensity exercise at boosting productivity because it’s less exhausting. If you’re looking for a little afternoon pick-me-up, stroll around the block, book a yoga class or stretch at your desk.

3. Take regular breaks

There’s nothing less inspiring than sitting at your desk for hours, mindlessly staring at a screen. Overloading your brain with too much information blocks creativity and makes it harder to complete high-value work.

What’s the solution? Take regular breaks to clear your head. Even better, get outside in nature and enjoy some fresh air. While it might feel indulgent, it’s common knowledge that micro-breaks, lunchtime breaks and holidays nurture workplace wellbeing and productivity.

4. Seek support

Above all else, don’t suffer in silence. If you’re struggling with your mental health or feel undervalued at work, speak to your manager or HR department. Otherwise, contact Citizen’s Advice for more information on workplace bullying, discrimination and employee rights.

You might also benefit from therapeutic or medical intervention. Speak to a healthcare professional to find out ways they can help – there’s no shame in asking for help!

Take a break at our luxurious spa and wellness clinic

Health and wellbeing in the workplace are essential because they feed into every other area of life – professional and personal happiness are intrinsically linked. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can improve employee wellbeing, including health retreats, relaxing treatments and asking for support.

Contact our team at Homefield Grange to see how we can help. Please call 01536 712 219 or email enquiries@homefieldgrange.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.