n recent years, especially in the wake of the pandemic, the world of work has undergone a sudden transformation. New themes have come to the fore, among them corporate wellbeing. Also known as organisational wellbeing, it encompasses a broad range of initiatives aimed at supporting employees' physical and mental health.
It’s no secret that when employee wellbeing is low, the very foundation of a company is at risk. Discover why adopting a wellbeing-focused strategy boosts productivity, supports innovation, increases loyalty, and ultimately helps create a calm, healthy working environment.
What is corporate wellbeing?
Corporate wellbeing (or worklife wellbeing) refers to initiatives taken by companies to ensure that all employees can work in an environment that nurtures both body and mind. Often, these initiatives extend beyond day-to-day workplace life, reaching into employees’ personal lives as well.
The need to care for employees’ wellbeing holistically has been recognised by leading institutions and associations, including the WHO. Physical and mental health are essential pillars of corporate wellbeing and are closely interconnected. When either is neglected, the impact can ripple across all aspects of work.
While wellbeing needs can vary depending on the type of business and the individuals involved, there are general strategies that can be adopted to improve job satisfaction. Before launching a corporate wellbeing plan, it’s important to identify the non-negotiables of physical and mental wellbeing.
Physical wellbeing
Under the broad umbrella of physical wellbeing are all the best practices that help us feel good in our bodies. Considering that we often spend much of our lives at work, the workplace should actively protect and support our health. This includes everything from eliminating hazards that might cause accidents to offering sports-related initiatives, such as discounted gym memberships, swimming passes, or health centre access.
Nutrition is also a key element. Where an in-house canteen with healthy meals isn’t available, employees should at least be provided with meal vouchers so they can choose where to eat, maintain a varied diet, or buy food to cook at home.
Mental wellbeing
Until recently, corporate wellbeing was often associated mainly with physical health. Today, feeling mentally well is a top priority. It’s worth pointing out that mental distress often leads to physical issues over time. Consider the effects of burnout or chronic stress on a person’s mental state.
Companies can support employees by providing tools that help them manage daily stress and strike a balance between work and personal life. Examples include additional leave for family time, leisure activities for downtime, or even vouchers for psychological support.
Why corporate wellbeing matters
When employees feel valued through a holistic plan designed to promote wellbeing, the entire organisation benefits. This approach helps build a stronger employer branding. Improvements can be seen in many areas, including the following:
- Happier employees: When their needs are met on all fronts, with positive effects on both physical and mental health, employees approach work with more peace of mind.
- Improved quality and productivity: When people feel good, they are more likely to appreciate their company and engage enthusiastically in daily work.
- More effective recruitment: A strong reputation for corporate wellbeing increases the chances of attracting qualified candidates during the hiring process.
- Higher staff retention: Happy employees have no reason to leave. This leads to a more stable environment, enhancing the company's image from the outside as well.
How to improve corporate wellbeing
Now that we’ve explored what corporate wellbeing means, how do you implement it in practice? First and foremost, a strong leadership mindset is essential. Employers or managers must recognise employee wellbeing as a cornerstone for organisational and productivity gains.
A positive work culture draws on many elements, from flexible working hours to leisure-related benefit packages. It requires a thoughtful combination of tools and resources supported by strategic business decisions. Some examples of corporate wellbeing in action include:
- Appointing managers with a coaching mindset who can support employees throughout their careers
- Providing incentives for annual preventative health screenings
- Offering personal and professional development courses
- Regular monitoring to prevent bullying or other negative behaviours
- Promote diversity and inclusion as part of the corporate culture
- Increasing flexibility in how work is organised
- Implementing tailored corporate welfare plans with various benefits
Boost employee wellbeing with Coverflex
When it comes to benefits, creating an advanced welfare system is crucial for enhancing corporate wellbeing. With Coverflex’s welfare solution, companies can offer employees a broad mix of benefits.
Using the dedicated Coverflex Voucher Card, where employers allocate the welfare budget, each employee can access a wide range of goods and services. Everything is managed with minimal red tape and just a few clicks, saving precious time.
Do you run a company and want to know more? Explore the Coverflex website and discover all the benefits of an innovative corporate welfare plan that fully supports workplace wellbeing.
