We have some of the most brilliant minds available to organizations, at the same we are facing higher rates of burnout, overwhelm, and attrition than ever before. Simply offering benefits and perks like free food, meditation rooms, fitness classes, and ping pong tables is not enough.
According to Gallup research the interaction among the 5 multiple dimensions of wellbeing determines overall health and happiness of employees. Each element feeds off the others and are interdependent. To fully thrive in life, we need to meet all five areas, unfortunately this accounts for only 7% of individuals, while 66% thrive in at least one pillar.
It’s a good idea to devise a workplace wellness strategy that promotes multiple areas of wellbeing in combination. However, researchers found that people thriving in their purpose (career) are 50% more likely to thrive overall. Employees who thrive in their purpose feel valued, are motivated to reach their goals, and feel connected to an organizational mission.
It’s clear then that wellbeing is beyond health and fitness and rather crosses over into culture work that supports diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and psychological safety. People want to be seen, acknowledged, and valued for who they are. At the same time they need to feel safe to show up as who they are.
Organizations are facing a culture problem, one that requires strategy to solve for. We must build a culture where important initiatives like diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are weaved into business objectives and organizational structure.
It takes a village to improve productivity, reduce healthcare cost, and cultivate happiness.