The importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace
When you picture a workplace, what comes to mind? Deadlines, meetings, emails, maybe a quick coffee break? While these are all integral parts of the workday, one crucial factor often gets overlooked: employee health and wellbeing. Aleks Szymanski, President, Scrypt, Inc., the company behind Workarma, explains why a workplace thrives not just on efficiency and output but also on the wellbeing of its workforce.
Health and wellbeing aren’t just trendy HR buzzwords; they are fundamental to creating a vibrant, engaged, and high-performing team. When employees feel physically and mentally well, they bring more energy, creativity, and commitment to their work. Prioritizing health isn’t just about being a good employer – it’s also a smart business move.
A productive team is a happy team
Productivity and employee wellbeing go hand in hand. If you try to drive a car without enough fuel, it won’t get far. The same principle applies to employees. When workers are stressed, exhausted, or unwell, their performance suffers. On the other hand, when employees feel good, both physically and mentally, they are more engaged, creative, and productive.
A workplace that promotes wellbeing encourages an atmosphere where innovation thrives. Employees who are supported in their health are more likely to collaborate effectively, contribute fresh ideas, and maintain a positive attitude toward their work.
When companies take proactive steps to enhance wellbeing, whether through flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, or mental health support, employees respond with increased job satisfaction and motivation. This, in turn, drives performance, reduces mistakes, and improves overall workplace morale. A happy workforce isn’t just good for employees; it’s good for business.
Reducing stress – the silent productivity killer
Stress is one of the most significant threats to workplace productivity. If left unchecked, it can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. Employees under chronic stress often struggle with focus, engagement, and creativity, which can decrease performance and lead to job dissatisfaction. The costs of workplace stress are staggering, with stress-related absenteeism and lost productivity costing U.S. businesses billions of dollars each year.
However, companies that prioritize health and wellbeing can significantly reduce these risks. By offering wellness programs, mental health resources, and stress management initiatives, businesses can create an environment where employees feel supported and resilient. Encouraging work-life balance and open communication, as well as providing resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) help workers manage stress effectively. A balanced employee is a productive employee, and organizations that recognize this reap the benefits of a more focused and engaged workforce.
Healthier employees mean lower costs
Investing in employee health is not just an act of goodwill – it’s a financially sound decision. Healthcare costs for businesses continue to rise, and many of these expenses stem from preventable health issues. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders can lead to increased healthcare claims and lost workdays. By focusing on preventive care, organizations can reduce these expenses while promoting a healthier workforce.
Employees who are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle take fewer sick days, reducing absenteeism and keeping teams functioning efficiently. Healthier employees also mean fewer workplace injuries and lower disability claims. Additionally, companies that offer wellness incentives, such as gym memberships, nutritious office snacks, and ergonomic workstations, often see a substantial return on investment through improved employee performance and reduced medical costs.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that for every dollar a company invests in workplace wellness programs, they receive an average return of $2.71 due to reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare expenses, and higher productivity. In other words, prioritizing employee health isn’t just a moral responsibility – it’s also a strategic financial move.
Building a positive company culture
A workplace that actively prioritizes employee health creates a culture of care and respect. Employees who feel valued and supported by their organization are more likely to stay loyal and engaged. When workers believe their employer cares about their wellbeing, job satisfaction rises, and workplace morale improves.
A strong workplace culture built around wellbeing also makes a company more attractive to top talent. Job seekers today look beyond salary and benefits—they want to work for organizations that genuinely support their physical and mental health. Companies that promote wellness initiatives, flexible work options, and mental health awareness create an environment where employees feel heard and appreciated. This, in turn, boosts employee retention and turns organizations into employers of choice.
Furthermore, when wellbeing is a core part of company culture, it builds stronger workplace relationships. Team members are more likely to support one another, collaborate effectively, and contribute to a positive office environment. When employees thrive, the company thrives.
Engaging employees through wellbeing initiatives
One of the most effective ways to promote workplace health is through engaging wellness initiatives. Traditional workdays can become monotonous, leading to disengagement and burnout. However, incorporating activities like wellness challenges, yoga classes, mental health days, and nutrition workshops can inject energy into the work environment.
Offering mindfulness training, guided meditation sessions, or even flexible work schedules to accommodate personal wellbeing can go a long way in improving employee happiness. When workers see their company investing in their health, they are more likely to take ownership of their own wellbeing. This creates a ripple effect: healthier employees influence their peers, creating a workplace culture where wellbeing is the norm rather than the exception.
Additionally, creating spaces for movement – such as standing desks, walking meetings, or on-site fitness centers – encourages employees to stay active throughout the day. Physical activity not only benefits physical health, it also improves mental clarity and energy levels, leading to greater productivity.
Prioritizing wellbeing is the key to success
Health and wellbeing in the workplace aren’t just optional perks, they are essential to a company’s long-term success. Prioritizing employee wellness results in a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce. Companies that recognize the value of wellbeing don’t just see improved performance; they also create a culture where employees feel valued and supported.
Investing in wellness programs, reducing workplace stress, and embracing a positive work culture doesn’t just benefit employees – it benefits the entire organization. A healthy workforce leads to lower healthcare costs, improved job satisfaction, and a stronger employer brand. Ultimately, a company’s greatest asset is its people, and taking care of their wellbeing is the most effective way to drive business success.
So, what steps can your company take to prioritize employee health today? Whether it’s implementing a wellness program, encouraging work-life balance, or simply creating an open dialogue about mental health, every effort counts. A healthy team drives a healthy business – and that’s a win for everyone.
About the Author
Aleks Szymanski is President of Scrypt, Inc., the company behind Workarma. He has three decades of leadership experience in Europe, Asia, and North America, successfully guiding organizations ranging from early-stage startups to turnaround situations.
Workarma helps jobseekers to find employers that prioritize workplace wellbeing. For more advice on workplace wellbeing, visit www.workarma.com.