Workplace wellbeing has become a hot topic in recent years, and for good reason. Numerous studies have shown that employee wellbeing is directly linked to organisational performance, and organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of creating a culture that prioritises employee health and happiness. However, many organisations struggle to create a workplace culture that truly supports employee wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore why culture is the key to workplace wellbeing success, and how organisations can create a culture that supports employee health and happiness.
Why Culture Matters
Culture is often described as the “personality” of an organisation. It’s the shared values, beliefs, and behaviours that shape how people work together and interact with each other. Workplace culture has a significant impact on employee wellbeing, and there are several reasons why this is the case.
First, culture shapes how employees perceive their work environment. If an organisation has a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, employees are more likely to feel valued, supported, and engaged in their work. In contrast, if an organisation has a culture that prioritises profits over people, employees are more likely to feel stressed, burned out, and disengaged.
Second, culture shapes how employees interact with each other. A positive workplace culture promotes collaboration, communication, and teamwork, which can help reduce stress levels and foster a sense of belonging. On the other hand, a toxic workplace culture can lead to conflict, bullying, and a lack of trust among employees, which can have a negative impact on employee wellbeing.
Finally, culture shapes the policies and practices that govern the workplace. A culture that values employee wellbeing is more likely to have policies and practices that support work-life balance, mental health, and physical health. In contrast, a culture that prioritises profits over people is more likely to have policies and practices that prioritise productivity over employee health and happiness.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why culture is the key to workplace wellbeing success.
Culture Shapes Employee Experience
The culture of an organisation can have a significant impact on the employee experience. Workplace culture encompasses the values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are shared by members of an organisation. A positive workplace culture can create a sense of belonging and community, encourage open communication, and foster collaboration and teamwork. These elements are critical for promoting employee wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Culture Shapes Behaviours
Culture shapes the behaviours of employees, including their attitudes towards wellbeing. When employees work in a culture that values and prioritises wellbeing, they are more likely to engage in behaviours that promote health and happiness, such as taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. On the other hand, when employees work in a culture that prioritises productivity at all costs, they may feel pressure to work long hours, skip breaks, and neglect their own wellbeing
Culture Influences Beliefs and Values
Culture also influences the beliefs and values of employees. When employees work in a culture that values wellbeing, they are more likely to believe that their health and happiness are important, and they are more likely to prioritise these aspects of their lives. In contrast, when employees work in a culture that prioritises productivity above all else, they may begin to believe that their worth is tied to their productivity, leading to burnout and poor mental health.
Culture Shapes Social Norms
Culture also shapes social norms in the workplace. When employees work in a culture that values and prioritises wellbeing, they are more likely to see their colleagues taking care of themselves and supporting one another in their efforts to prioritise their own health and happiness. This creates a positive feedback loop, where employees feel supported and encouraged to prioritise their own wellbeing, leading to a healthier and happier workforce.
Culture Creates a Sense of Community
Finally, workplace culture creates a sense of community among employees. When employees work in a culture that prioritises wellbeing, they are more likely to feel connected to their colleagues, which can lead to improved mental health and job satisfaction. On the other hand, when employees work in a culture that prioritises productivity above all else, they may feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, leading to feelings of loneliness and burnout.
To create a culture of workplace wellbeing, organisations can take several key steps. These include:
1.Leadership and Role Modelling
Leadership is critical in shaping workplace culture. Leaders can model behaviours that prioritise wellbeing, such as taking breaks, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By setting this example, leaders can create a culture that values wellbeing and encourages employees to prioritise their own self-care.
2.Communication and Feedback
Effective communication is essential for creating a culture of wellbeing. Organisations can provide regular opportunities for employees to share their concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback on their work. This can help managers identify potential sources of stress and burnout and address them proactively.
3.Collaboration and Teamwork
Collaboration and teamwork are critical for building a healthy high-performance culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. Organisations can encourage employees to work together, share ideas, and support one another, which can help build trust, improve communication, and reduce stress levels.
4.Recognition and Rewards
Recognising and rewarding success is an essential part of building a positive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing. Organisations can celebrate successes and recognise employees for their hard work and achievements. This can help build morale, improve motivation, and reduce stress levels by acknowledging the effort and dedication that employees put into their work.
In conclusion, culture is the key to workplace wellbeing success. By prioritising workplace culture, organisations can create a healthy and positive work environment that promotes employee health, happiness, and productivity.
