An individual’s wellbeing is impacted by a range of different factors. From what’s going on in their personal life to the work environment they are in. These factors could cause both positive and negative impacts. Organisations must be aware of these factors and implement the required strategies within the workplace to control these factors from creating a negative impact on the employees and Workplace wellbeing.
Some of the factors within the workplace that affect employee wellbeing are as follows:
Workplace Design
This involves the physical aspect of the workplace. What does the workplace look like and feel like? Does the interior design of the workplace allow there to be light and sufficient air? Is the workplace cramped? Are employees always hot or cold because the management has paid no attention to the air conditioning system? By considering all these areas within the workplace, employers can identify if they are providing satisfactory office space.
Flexibility is another aspect of workplace design. If a workplace allows remote working, employees are more free to choose their working environment. Each person has their own preference of where they like to work. Giving them an option is sure to increase productivity.
If employees feel comfortable and safe in the environment they work in, it is evident that they will be content. With this secure feeling, they can focus on putting their efforts into the things that need more attention.
Workplace Culture
According to Forbes, “The shared values, belief systems, attitudes and the set of assumptions that people in a workplace share.” is known as the Workplace culture. The wellbeing of the employees highly depends on the workplace culture. For example, having an Inclusionary culture in a diverse workforce increases employee engagement and foster teamwork. It helps in generating the feeling of being valued.
Relationships at Work
The relationship employees have with their colleagues and management holds a great influence on one’s wellbeing. It includes how you are treated if there is injustice, whether honesty is something people hold among each other and if respect is mutual. With all of them in mind, if a workplace demonstrates civility and respect, it is highly likely that the wellbeing of its employees is exceptional.
Personal Life
A Lot of companies create a culture where the employees’ personal life doesn’t matter to the company. The expectation of these companies develops a fear among workers where taking days off for family emergencies or commitments becomes intimidating. Not being able to balance work and private life obligations results in causing extensive stress. If workplaces want to enhance profitability, they must understand the personal factors which affect employees’ success.
Leadership
With the range of leadership styles that could be used to manage a workplace comes the responsibility of the leaders to ensure the style they use focuses on the needs of their workers. For a creative workspace, more than autocratic leadership is needed. Employees will feel micromanaged and will eventually be dependent on their leaders. However, if opportunities are provided to the workers by their leaders and growth within the workplace is encouraged, the workplace will flourish and so will its employees.
On the other hand, If there is a lack of support, low recognition and unclear expectations, employees will be deterred. There will be a need for more motivation to accomplish the goals and objectives and the workplace will manifest Contradictions.
It is important that for the wellbeing of the workplace, leaders evaluate and implement the required leadership styles which align with the needs of their employees and workspace. It is also essential to execute reward and recognition systems so employees know their value to the company.
Workload
Another factor that often impacts the wellbeing within the workplace is the amount of work employees are getting and how many hours they are working. For the sake of the employees, the organisation must identify the satisfaction the employees have towards their workload. Surveys could be conducted to learn if the stress is being caused due to absurd amounts of expectations the workplace has. Having an excessive workload could cause employees to burnout and eventually be in a state where more is needed.
Communication
Communication is the key to wellbeing. With clear and concise communication, employees can share their feelings and similarly, management can communicate their expectations. With two-way communication, there is coherence and transparency within the workplace. If the communication is precisely done, the employees are aware of their roles and management cannot help the employees as they will not be able to identify any issues.
With the right communication channels, the workplace can achieve maximum labour productivity. Another wellbeing strategy that could assist an organisation is the execution of stress management frameworks. This allows employees to recognise and overcome the negative impact of workplace factors and achieve their full potential.