The way we view work is changing. With the increasing influence of Millennials and changed values and work preferences throughout generations, employees expect a productive, engaging and enjoyable work experience.
The mindset shift to focus on culture and engagement to improve the overall employee experience, is now complimented by initiatives including the emotional, cognitive and physical wellbeing at work.
Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives. Just a nice-to-have?
That depends. Are you looking to merely share tips and tricks? Or are you implementing a strategic wellbeing program to proactively change behaviours that can make us sick?
“Making well-being a business priority can improve the lives of employees; infuse workplace culture with greater positivity, energy, and commitment; reduce health care costs; and potentially help transform health in the United States and elsewhere.”
Michael Sokol, How to Gauge the Effectiveness of Employee Wellness Programs.
Only a problem for the US? Looking at the statistics for Southeast Asia, it shows that also here chronic diseases mainly cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer are on the rise. 62% of employees who use workplace wellness program report productivity increase and 56% have fewer sick days.
So, how do we improve the wellbeing of employees and lower the cost by changing behaviour? Despite the benefits, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that less than 39% of eligible employees chose to participate at all.
ROI FOR COMPANIES: SHOULD APAC COMPANIES MAKE WELLBEING PROGRAMS COMPULSORY?
While wellbeing programs could help improve employees’ physical and mental health, which would eventually be translated into higher productivity and medical cost savings, but should such programs be compulsory? As economies in Asia Pacific continue to grow, employees work longer hours and find life more stressful. It’s about time for employers to be aware of the wellbeing issue and to throw support to their workers while growing their businesses.
ROI FOR EMPLOYEES: WHAT DOES WELLBEING AT WORK MEAN TO YOU? JOB BENEFITS?
15 Coolest Emerging Company Perks to Watch for in 2019
401(k) is a nice perk for employers to offer employees, but have you ever shared a keg with colleagues at the office or enjoyed an all-expenses-paid trip to Thailand?
In our “I want it now” society, many companies are realizing that if they want to keep employees for the long term, they need to offer something unique in the short term. Maybe along the lines of a drink — and no we’re not talking a cup of coffee — or time off for getting a new pet?
Which one is your favourite? Is it the “Weather-based flex time” during rainy season or “Life Coaching”?
Get inspired by the following three articles to enhance wellbeing, boost productivity and reduce stress!
THE 10 PSYCHOLOGICAL IDEAS THAT EMPLOYERS, RECRUITERS AND HR PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW
Learn about 10 ideas to enable managers to get the best from their team. Ideas to help new employees fast-track the creation of productive internal relationships with their bosses and colleagues. Many of these psychological ideas are valuable to employers, recruiters and HR professionals when interviewing candidates.
REDUCING STRESS BY BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INTO THE OFFICE
One of the most fundamental ways in which businesses can ensure stress amongst employees doesn’t spiral out of control and become a mental health issue, is by offering a workplace environment that promotes their wellbeing from the get-go. The ‘biophilic’ approach is one of the most popular methods of developing a healthy and positive environment in the workplace. As humans, we have a deep-rooted biological connection to nature, so outdated, cubicle-style office designs can affect our overall health and wellbeing.
SCENTS THAT WILL HELP BOOST PRODUCTIVITY
Many people don’t realize what a powerful tool aromatherapy can be. Scents are tied directly to the part of the brain that is linked to memory and emotion, so scents can influence both.
This can work very well in the business world, influencing employees to work harder, retain more information or stay alert. In fact, studies show that certain scents can affect memory, concentration, sustained attention and cognitive function. FragranceX took a look at the scents most likely to boost productivity.
BONUS: THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON MINDFULNESS
Does Mindfulness Really Work? Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson show how mindfulness can improve resilience – our ability to recover more quickly from adversity.
ABOUT TIMEO-PERFORMANCE
We were founded with a vision to improve the world of work for everyone.
Timeo-Performance has been helping companies assess, build and develop teams and talents in APAC since 2008. We are Recruitment, Training and Business & HR Performance experts and our priority is to help you grow and succeed. We understand your culture, organization and objectives and deliver outstanding results crafted for you. We thrive to bring best practices, innovative and integrated solutions with our selected partners: Akteos (intercultural management), CrossKnowledge (digital learning) and more.
