Workplace wellbeing is becoming a critical focus for employers worldwide, and Ireland is no exception. Recognising the significant impact of employee health on overall business performance, many Irish companies are now prioritising initiatives to foster a healthier work environment. This article delves into the importance of workplace wellbeing, supported by recent statistics and insights from Ireland. Employees are our biggest asset, they are the face of your company, they are the measure of customer loyalty & overall organisational success.
You need to look after your employees – let me ask you this question – if not now, then when will you look after them?
In this blog we also highlight how lean principles support workplace wellbeing:
Value Alignment: Aligning employee tasks with their strengths and interests.
Eliminating Waste: Reducing stress loads by eliminating unnecessary tasks and processes.
Continuous Improvement: Encouraging feedback and involvement in process improvements.
Flow and Efficiency: Creating a work environment that supports steady, manageable workloads.
At Health 4 U we have a suite of services supporting resourcefulness & improving productivity – We test with innovative & then we personalise your employee programmes though digitalised programmes which allow for accessibility across your workforce.
If you are a Lean leader or manager and want to talk about Eliminating Burnout in your workforce – click here for a complimentary call with Sinéad.
Employee wellbeing is directly linked to performance outcomes, increased customer loyalty, profitability, and lower staff turnover (Ibec – For Irish Business). The relationship between work and wellbeing is reciprocal; promoting and supporting employee wellbeing not only benefits the employees but also the organisation as a whole. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more engaged, productive, and loyal to their company.
Statistics on Workplace Wellbeing in Ireland
Recent research highlights the growing emphasis on workplace wellbeing in Ireland. According to the Ibec Leading in Wellbeing Index 2024, companies that actively support employee wellbeing see a significant return on investment. For every €1 spent on wellbeing initiatives, businesses can expect a €3 saving in terms of reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and lower healthcare costs (Ibec – For Irish Business).
In addition, a survey conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that 70% of Irish employees believe their mental health impacts their job performance. This underscores the need for employers to create supportive environments that address mental health concerns.
Key Components of Workplace Wellbeing
- Mental Health Support:
- Offering access to counselling services and mental health resources.
- Implementing stress management programs– Innovative Genetic Testing plays a huge role in management stress with personalised results on each employees individual stress reactors & predispositions.
- Promoting a culture of openness where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues.
- Physical Health Initiatives:
- Innovative health screening with convenient instant results, which we provide at Health 4 U – no waiting for results, meaning personalised advice & recommendations on the spot.
- Encouraging physical activity through corporate gym memberships or onsite fitness facilities.
- Offering healthy food options in the workplace.
- Work-Life Balance:
- Implementing flexible working hours and remote work options.
- Encouraging employees to take regular breaks and use their vacation time.
- Supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities through leave policies and flexible work arrangements.
The Role of Nutrigenomics in Workplace Wellbeing
As a nurse and nutritional practitioner, I emphasise the importance of personalised health approaches such as the use of innovative testing with nutrigenomics. This field studies the interaction between nutrition and genes, providing insights into how dietary, lifestyle & environmental choices can impact overall health and wellbeing. By incorporating nutrigenomic testing into workplace wellness programs, Health 4 U offers employers personalised digitalised programmes to support employees to optimise their health, energy levels, and mental clarity meaning increased productivity & sense of wellbeing, reduced absenteeism, retainment of staff & attraction of new staff.
Conclusion
Investing in workplace wellbeing is not just a moral obligation but a strategic business decision. By prioritising the health and happiness of employees, Irish companies can foster a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce. The evidence is clear: supporting employee wellbeing leads to better performance, increased customer satisfaction, and improved profitability. As we move forward, let’s continue to build workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
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