An introduction to workplace wellbeing

What is workplace wellbeing?

Workplace wellbeing refers to the holistic approach businesses take to support the overall health and happiness of their employees. It encompasses various domains that contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

Health, both physical and mental, is fundamental, ensuring employees remain healthy and resilient. Other factors that could affect employee happiness levels include a supportive working environment, fair pay, and effective line management, with employees having the autonomy to manage their tasks.

Underlying collective and social wellbeing must promote positive relationships and give employees a voice in decision-making processes. Encouraging personal growth through career development and learning opportunities is key to keeping employees engaged at work. Businesses should also support and promote healthy habits like exercise and diet, as well as financial wellbeing, which includes money management and long-term financial support like retirement planning.

For more insights, learn how to define workplace wellbeing within your workplace.

Which factors impact health and wellbeing in the workplace?

Several key factors influence health and wellbeing in the workplace, shaping how employees feel and perform in their roles. Some of these are:

Effective communication – Clear, open dialogue between staff and management helps prevent misunderstandings and creates a more collaborative environment.

Thoughtful workplace design – A well-designed office that prioritises comfort, choice, and community can significantly enhance productivity and satisfaction. Read more about designing for choice here.

Inclusivity for all – An inclusive environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds fosters innovation and increases employee engagement.

Stress reduction - Implementing mindfulness practices and providing adequate support can make a significant difference. Read our blog on strategies for stress management to further reduce workplace pressures.

Why is workplace wellbeing important?

Workplace wellbeing plays a crucial role in supporting workplace culture. A better quality of physical and mental health in the workplace can increase morale and productivity in tandem, leading to a more resilient workforce. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to feel overall contentment in their role, which translates into increased loyalty and retention, ultimately lowering turnover rates. Being happier at work helps employees to experience a better work life balance, too.

A positive focus on wellbeing creates a workplace where employees feel valued, fostering a healthy and collaborative environment.

For further insights on boosting engagement, explore our employee engagement guide.

How does workplace wellbeing impact productivity?

When a company invests in health and wellbeing, its people are less likely to take time off due to illness or engage in presenteeism, where they’re physically present but not performing at their best. Prioritising wellbeing fosters a positive work environment where employees feel supported, valued, and able to thrive. As a result, employee engagement, motivation and loyalty are enhanced, and work-related stress and burnout are prevented. A happier, healthier workforce is naturally more productive, contributing to overall business success and a more positive company culture.

Assessing wellbeing at work uncovers how employees are feeling and identifies areas for improvement. Regularly gathering feedback allows businesses to gauge how supported and satisfied their teams feel, builds trust, and encourages honesty. But, how?

Monitor productivity – This indicates how people may be feeling; If quality of output begins to drop, it may signal a decline in employee happiness.

Track absenteeism – Similarly, absenteeism and patterns of sick leave has the potential to highlight health concerns, like work-related stress, while high retention rates often reflect a positive workplace culture.

Check in regularly – Consistent communication with teams can help to address issues early on. Regular check-ins and discussions help leaders to stay attuned to how employees are doing.

Conduct surveys – Send out pulse surveys for current employees and implement exit interviews for outgoing employees to understand what may have changed over short periods of time, highlight points of strain within certain teams or workstreams, and identify issues that could be affecting retention rates.

Together, these tools create a comprehensive picture of workplace wellbeing, helping businesses navigate work related health issues and make informed decisions on how to combat them.

Prioritising workplace wellbeing is essential for businesses to maintain a thriving, loyal, and high-performing team. By harnessing workplace strategy and design, companies can create a happier, healthier workforce.

We’ve helped hundreds of London businesses to build better and brighter offices for their workforce. Find inspiration from our latest projects or explore our News & Insights section for more expert advice on creating a wellbeing-focused workplace.