WATER COOLER CHAT: Building Workplace Wellbeing
Workplace wellbeing has become part of the workplace ethos in a dynamic way. As companies are pursuing organizational wellbeing with an enthusiasm never seen before for talent acquisition and retention. Building workplace wellbeing seems to be the right thing to do for employees, plus there’s the potential for lower absenteeism and fewer medical claims. Substantial cost savings are at stake, too. For example, thanks in part to the company’s wellbeing efforts, Steelcase health insurance premiums in 2013 will increase about 3%, less than half the 7.5% increase estimated for the year by Price Waterhouse Coopers.
“Wellbeing actually involves many aspects of organizational culture, from making sure people understand what their job is and having a sense of purpose, to providing the right space, tools, and resources to be successful. Research shows that successful organizations support their employees with a holistic approach to mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.”
That support has become trickier as knowledge work has evolved. Thanks to new technology and a global marketplace, work is more project-based, much faster-paced and often a 24/7 endeavor. This whitepaper from Steelcase delves deeper into organizational wellbeing made tangible by space, furniture, and tools designed to nurture individual wellbeing.
A culture of workplace wellbeing also can help increase worker creativity. People who are well supported and more in control of where and how they work, feel safer and more engaged. This encourages engagement and entrepreneurial effort.
