5 Key Insights to Employee Workplace Wellbeing

By Isabelle Frischknecht and Evelyn Jackson (CEO)

Previously, we have shared the 7 Levels of Employee Needs, what they are, and how to measure them. There are 5 key insights and underlying principles of employee workplace wellbeing that every leader should know.

1. Stress

2. Open Communication

3. Flexibility

4. Recognition

5. Alignment of individual values to organization values

Embracing these principles leads to a more engaged, productive, and fulfilled workforce, ensuring long-term success for both organisations and employees.

STress

In today's competitive corporate landscape, workplace stress has become a prevalent challenge affecting employees' mental and physical wellbeing as well as overall performance. According to statistics gathered by the Australia and New Zealand Autonomy of Work Index 2021, 92% of serious mental health concerns in workplaces in Australia can be ascribed to work-related stressors. Aside from the impact on individuals and their performance at work, these conditions can cost businesses up to $10.9 billion per year.

Stress, a natural response to demands and challenges, can arise from various work-related factors, including high workloads, limited autonomy over tasks, unclear job roles and responsibility, conflicts with supervisors and colleagues, and uncomfortable or unsafe working conditions.

The Barrett Model of Employee Needs provides a valuable framework to understand how stressors impact employees. From ensuring job security to addressing conflicts and providing recognition for efforts, these needs align with the seven levels outlined in the model.

While some stress can be a positive motivator, chronic or excessive stress can lead to reduced job satisfaction, productivity, and innovation.[1] Recognising this, organisations are increasingly prioritising employee wellbeing, understanding that it directly correlates with improved performance metrics.

“By prioritising employee wellbeing, organisations can improve engagement and productivity, retain top talent, and foster a culture of innovation.”

— Haseeb Aslam (PMP), Sr. Director Digital Marketing

A nurturing work environment not only enhances individual performance but also fosters team cohesion and overall organisational success.[2]

2. open communication

“The interplay between employee wellbeing, performance, and communication.”

Effective communication is critical for employee workplace wellbeing. By establishing transparent channels, organisations empower employees, making them feel heard and valued. Clarity about company goals, expectations, feedback, and growth opportunities enhances alignment with organisational values and overall job satisfaction. Moreover, open communication enables organisations to identify and address stressors before they escalate, thus mitigating their negative impact on employee wellbeing and performance.

Effective communication can impact our need for relationships and belonging, feeling capable in our roles, as well as growth and autonomy. Three of the 7 needs for greater wellbeing.

Open communication can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise and encourage continuous learning. It can help build strong relationships and contribute to a sense of belonging and enable employees to develop confidence in their abilities.

All factors that impact an employee's wellbeing.

3. flexibility

Flexibility in work arrangements significantly impacts employee wellbeing with a better balance between work and personal life. Empowering employees to manage their time effectively reduces commute-related stress, fostering a more harmonious work-life equilibrium. Flexible working arrangements can include flexible hybrid work arrangements, allowing employees to change their start and finish times, job sharing or compressed working hours. Flexible working is not just for office workers – there are various options that can be considered for front line employees such as letting employees plan their own rosters and giving them remote access to swap and roster their shifts.

“This flexibility enhances job satisfaction and reduces burnout, resulting in improved productivity and loyalty.”

— Corporate Wellness Magazine

Flexibility directly addresses survival needs such as:

A healthy work-life balance,
Increase levels of trust
Boost confidence and self-esteem and
Enable the pursuit of growth opportunities

By accommodating individual needs, organisations foster positive relationships and a supportive atmosphere among colleagues, building wellbeing at work.

4. recognition

Recognising and appreciating employee contributions are vital for fostering positive relationships within the workplace. Fair compensation and job security are fundamental to our survival needs and a good opportunity to recognise and reward employee efforts. Moreso, acknowledgements for hard work and accomplishments help build self-esteem and confidence, motivating employees to seek growth opportunities and make them feel valued and appreciated.

Recognition aligns with internal cohesion needs, emphasising that individual efforts contribute to the organisation’s success. It reinforces unity and shared purpose among employees, creating a sense of fulfillment in making a positive impact. Something that is increasingly needed by today’s workforce. When employees see their contributions aligning with organisational goals, their self-esteem and sense of purpose are elevated, leading to improved performance and overall wellbeing.

5. alignment with individual and organisational values

Alignment of individual values with organisational values is key to building positive relationships within the workplace. Organisations emphasising values like respect, integrity, and teamwork can help to create an environment that will foster personal connections. Organisations that prioritise values related to impacting society and purpose provide a platform for employees to make a difference (Level 7). Those seeking to contribute positively through their work find fulfilment when their values align with the organisation's.

“Aligned values can help employees feel a sense of belonging, support, and satisfaction in their roles.”

— Culture Works

The alignment of values emphasises the employee’s place within the organisation. Providing a sense of connection, belonging and purpose. When employees are aligned, there is a greater opportunity to seek to contribute positively and this motivation increases their performance.

Employees wish to feel authentic and be their true self at work. At work, this becomes more achievable the closer the alignment between personal and organisational values.The closer the alignment, the better the workflow, engagement and employee energy will be.

Understanding Employee Wellbeing is complex, and data and a measurement tool provides the information leaders need to identify the impact their culture and employee experience has on their employees and where improvements can be made.

How Corporate Crayon Can Help

At Corporate Crayon, we work with organisations to inspire work that matters, and our Employee Wellbeing Workplace Assessment is a great first step. Contact us today to find out more.