Workplace well-being has become a top priority for businesses worldwide in today’s busy and frequently stressful world. This trend towards putting well-being first has been particularly noticeable in New Zealand as businesses start to understand the connection between employee happiness and productivity, retention, and overall company performance. However, why does well-being matter so much to companies in New Zealand? Let us discuss why workplace well-being is crucial for New Zealand employers.
1. Enhanced Productivity and Performance
The direct impact on productivity is one of the strongest arguments for businesses to fund well-being programs. Workers who are in good physical and mental health are more motivated, engaged, and focused. Employees who are under a lot of stress are less likely to become burned out or exhausted, which can result in errors and poorer performance. Employers are positioning their teams for higher performance by encouraging well-being.
Employees who have access to help for their physical and mental health typically produce higher-quality work, according to numerous studies. Fostering a work environment where well-being is valued can result in noticeable increases in employee performance, whether this is achieved through flexible work schedules, rewards for physical activity, or mental health resources.
2. Reduced Absenteeism and Sick Leave
Businesses, including those in New Zealand, may incur significant expenses because of sick leave. The New Zealand Workplace Wellness Report (2023) indicates that absence has become more expensive in recent years, especially when it is caused by stress and mental health problems.
Absenteeism can be decreased by employers who fund programs that assist workers’ mental health and encourage work-life balance. Workers are less likely to take frequent or prolonged sick absence when they feel supported and less stressed, which contributes to the smooth operation of the company.
Offering well-being programs like counselling services, physical fitness challenges, and mindfulness seminars may reduce long-term absences while also creating a culture where workers feel free to seek assistance before difficulties worsen and develop into more serious health issues.
3. Improved Employee Retention
Employers place a high premium on attracting and keeping talent in a competitive labour market like New Zealand. High turnover rates can affect corporate continuity and be expensive. Providing a well-being-focused, encouraging work atmosphere can increase employee retention.
Long-term retention is higher among employees who feel appreciated and supported. Prioritising the well-being of employees at work builds loyalty and promotes a positive corporate culture (Workplace wellness report, 2023). Many workers today, particularly Gen Z and millennials, want to work for companies that are concerned about their whole well-being rather than just paying them a salary.
4. Reduced Workplace Stress and Burnout
Like in many other parts of the world, occupational stress is becoming a bigger problem in New Zealand. Anxiety and burnout are two stress-related disorders that have increased because of long workdays, high standards, and growing workloads. This is especially common in high-stress sectors including retail, healthcare, and education.
By putting policies in place like flexible work schedules, raising awareness of mental health issues, and fostering a positive work atmosphere, employers who value employee well-being can help employees feel less stressed. This proactive strategy can assist workers in managing the demands of their jobs and lower the prevalence of burnout, which is expensive and detrimental to the workforce.
5. Aligning with New Zealand’s Wellness Culture
New Zealand is renowned for emphasising outdoor recreation, work-life balance, and general well-being. Spending time in nature, exercising, and striking a balance between personal and work life are all common aspects of the Kiwi way of life. Employers integrate their corporate culture with the values of the community at large by encouraging well-being at work. An organisation’s reputation can be enhanced, and an authentic work atmosphere can be created by this alignment. This is another reason why workplace well-being is crucial for New Zealand employers.
Employees who have a stronger connection to their work are also more willing to work for companies that appreciate this emphasis on well-being. This relationship may result in increased passion a readiness to go above and beyond, and general job satisfaction.
Reference List:
Workplace and wellness report, 2023. BusinessNZ. Available at: https://businessnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Workplace-Wellness-Report-2023.pdf (Accessed 25 Nov 2024).
