Demand for workplace wellbeing programmes soars but many failing to deliver

Although the demand for wellbeing programmes has soared in recent months, many are failing to deliver the desired impact on staff health or work culture, according to a new study.

Around 61% of HR leaders say demand for wellbeing programmes has increased in recent months; as has employee utilisation (63%) of the programmes, confirmed at WorldatWork’s latest Workplace Well-Being Trends survey. Given that more than a third of workers are perpetually burned out, largely due to Covid-19’s impact on duties and interaction with colleagues while working remotely, the demand for workplace wellbeing programmes has inevitably increased. Many employers are now providing them in the hope of boosting staff engagement, innovation, productivity, as well as wellbeing. 

However, the survey found that not all wellbeing programmes are delivering the intended impact on culture or staff health. Despite 92% of organisations making workplace wellbeing a priority; and 96% reporting that they have introduced health-related initiatives; only 70% of employees actually agree that their employer really cares about wellbeing (“a great” or “good” deal).

WELLBEING & DE&I IMPACT

Mental health initiatives are the most offered programmes, but 61% of organisations do not provide managers with training to help identify and support employees experiencing mental health challenges, confirmed the research; which could impact the success of the programmes.

That said around 68% of organisations now include diversity, equity and inclusion in their wellbeing menu of offerings. In those cases 59% of employees said that the wellbeing programmes do actually improve their work experience.

BOOSTING EMPLOYEE RISILIENCE

An employer’s decision to invest in wellbeing is most influenced by culture/wellbeing goals (66%); perspectives from executive leadership (61%); and a desire for enhanced workforce productivity/engagement (60%), revealed the study. 

“This survey highlights that a culture of wellbeing plays a far more critical role than any one benefit programme to the long-term success of an organisation,” stated Scott Cawood, CEO of WorldatWork. “In fact, it is this type of culture that elevates the employee experience and ultimately leads to a more resilient workforce.”

However, many leaders are struggling to invest in the right mental health support for their staff, as reported. Click here to find out why.