How a Holistic Approach can tackle employee wellbeing and mental health concerns.

Employee wellbeing and mental health are increasingly critical concerns in today’s workplace. According to the CIPD, 67% of organisations observed “leaveism,” where employees use their time off to cope with heavy workloads, blurring the lines between work and personal life.

In 2022-23, an estimated 875,000 workers in the UK suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, contributing to a significant 17.1 million working days lost. These alarming statistics highlight the need for a holistic approach to wellbeing that addresses physical, mental, and emotional health. By creating a more sustainable and balanced environment, businesses can reduce burnout, improve productivity, and promote long-term employee health.

The Benefits of Adopting A Holistic Approach

A growing body of research highlights the positive impact a comprehensive well-being approach can have on productivity, engagement, and organisational success.

One key benefit of holistic well-being programs is enhanced employee morale and engagement. Health and well-being initiatives lead to a more motivated workforce, with employees feeling more connected to their work and the organisation. Focusing on well-being creates an inclusive culture where individuals feel valued and supported, which is essential in fostering long-term engagement and loyalty.

The CIPD notes that organisations that prioritise wellbeing foster a better work-life balance. Employees who are better able to manage their work responsibilities alongside personal commitments are less likely to experience burnout. This balance is important for maintaining long-term productivity and satisfaction at work. It promotes a healthier workplace culture, encouraging open conversations around health issues and reducing the stigma associated with mental health concerns.

In addition, research increasingly shows that mental health and well-being directly impact employee productivity. A study found that a single-point increase in self-reported happiness (on a scale of 1-10) among call centre workers led to an average 12% increase in productivity. This correlation between happiness and productivity emphasises the tangible benefits of investing in employee wellbeing.

Another benefit that is often overlooked is the financial perks. Poor mental health is costly for employers. Deloitte’s report on mental health and wellbeing estimates that poor mental wellbeing costs employers in the UK between £42 billion and £45 billion annually. This shows that prioritising well-being is a smart, long-term strategy for sustaining business performance.

How Can We Promote Holistic Healthcare At Work?

A holistic approach to healthcare in the workplace improves physical health and enhances mental, emotional, and social well-being. By promoting holistic healthcare, businesses can create an environment where employees thrive, leading to higher productivity, engagement, and loyalty.

Promoting well-being at work is crucial for creating a positive work environment. When companies recognise that multiple factors influence employees’ overall health, their businesses will thrive. Here’s how employers can create and sustain a holistic healthcare framework:

1.   Provide Comprehensive Health Support

Employers should implement a health support system that addresses physical and mental health. Offering access to resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), occupational health services and counselling can ensure employees have the tools to manage stress and mental health challenges such as;

●  Stress

●  Grief and loss

●  Mental health support

●  Personal challenges

●  Work-life balance

●  Crisis intervention

Additionally, promoting preventive health measures, such as regular health checks and ergonomic workstations, encourages employees to take care of their physical well-being.

2.   Address Unhealthy Work Practices

Workplace practices like ‘presenteeism’ (working while unwell) undermine employee health. By reviewing and addressing factors like unmanageable workloads or unclear job expectations, employers can combat these unhealthy practices. This not only supports employee well-being but also boosts productivity and job satisfaction.

3.   Promote a Balanced Work-Life Integration

A healthy work-life balance is central to holistic well-being. Employers should offer flexible working arrangements, encourage regular breaks and ensure employees take time off when needed. These practices help prevent burnout, supporting long-term health and productivity.

4.   Create a Supportive Physical and Social Environment

A well-designed, safe, and inclusive workplace contributes to overall well-being. Making employees feel heard and encouraging social connections through team-building activities help create a supportive work environment. Additionally, nurturing a culture of diversity and inclusion promotes a sense of belonging, which is critical to employee satisfaction.

5.   Regularly Assess and Adjust Wellness Initiatives

For well-being initiatives to be effective, they must be tailored to the workforce’s unique needs. Regular feedback, surveys and assessments can help employers fine-tune their programs. Monitoring employee engagement and health outcomes ensures the strategy evolves to meet changing needs, delivering ongoing value to employees and the business.

How WorkSpa Supports Companies With A Holistic Approach

At WorkSpa, we believe that when it comes to supporting an individual’s wellbeing, no one size fits all and that our experiences with wellbeing may differ depending on age, race, gender and class. We support clients with a holistic and intersectional approach, which allows individuals to receive compassionate support and provides a perspective that enables more profound observation of a person’s needs. Holistic healthcare considers the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.

This is why we developed our three pillars: MindHealth, BodyHealth and Inclusive Initiatives. These pillars ensure that we can support a range of needs at both the organisational and individual levels. WorkSpa MindHealth programs offer individuals the awareness and tools to support mental health. The BodyHealth solutions provide the tools to support physical health through chair massage and nutrition workshops. The Inclusive Initiatives pillar educates companies on creating environments that provide everyone with a sense of belonging and feeling seen by implementing effective inclusion and diversity strategies.

Employers are increasingly prioritising a culture of care and consideration for their employees. Now is the time to fully embrace wellbeing and a holistic approach to healthcare, actively participating in the evolution of the modern workplace.