Some companies have workplace cultures that prioritize results over health. However, that approach has become less prevalent as more employers realize that encouraging physical and mental health at work can actually help increase productivity. Not surprisingly, tired, unhealthy workers can’t reach their full potential. Now, ample studies provide data-driven evidence that shows how investing in employee wellbeing can increase profitability.
If you want to learn more about how supporting your employees can lead to productivity enhancement, you’re in the right place!
The business case for employee wellbeing
Even if you want to improve employee wellbeing because you care about the people you work with, some managers and corporate leaders will want to see how mental and physical health incentives boost financial performance. You can start by sharing data about how wellbeing influences workplace behaviors and employer expenses.
Mental health’s and emotional wellbeing’s impact on profitability
The American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2023 Work in America Survey demonstrates some important reasons employers should support better mental health at work. Unfortunately, the majority (57%) of employees say work-related stress negatively affects their performance. As they feel more workplace burnout, many of them report:
- Lower productivity
- Emotional exhaustion
- Feeling unmotivated
- A desire to leave their jobs
All of these issues directly influence a company’s profitability. You can’t expect your staff members to do their best when 31% feel emotionally exhausted, 23% want to quit, and 20% are so stressed they become less productive.
Unfortunately, a lot of company leaders underestimate how much their employees struggle. While the C-suite thinks 84% of workers would rate their mental wellbeing as “excellent” or “good,” only 59% of workers agree. The result? Lower performance, more absenteeism, and higher churn. All of those issues slash into your company’s profitability.
Physical wellbeing and workplace performance
Globally, 31% of adults don’t get enough physical activity. That’s problematic because sedentary lifestyles put people at higher risk of diseases like:
- Type-2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
Physical activity is about more than avoiding health problems, though. It can also improve cognitive function, which ideally makes it easier for people to concentrate and perform tasks more efficiently.
All of this means that active employees are more likely to reach goals while taking fewer days off.
A healthy workforce could also lead to lower insurance premiums. That’s a big deal considering that health insurance accounts for 7.9% of employee compensation, on average.
By encouraging physical wellbeing, you create opportunities to improve workplace performance and save money on a benefit essential to attracting and retaining top talent.
