Well-being in the Workplace: What we've learnt from COVID-19

Many of us hear the word 'well-being' on a daily basis, whether it be at our favourite yoga studio, from our family members or on the tv - but how many of us really understand the fundamental items we need to check off in order to experience feelings of well-being? Not many.

The Six-factor Model of Psychological Well-being is a theory which explains a person's well-being in terms of six specific factors. These six-factors have proven to increase our contentment and happiness, and in no particular order are positive relationships with others, personal mastery of task, autonomy (feelings of independence), feelings of purpose and meaning in life and feelings of personal development in life.

The need for well-being and fulfillment is key to a productive and happy workplace. For employers specifically, happy employees mean higher rates of retention and increased productivity over time.

Well-being can be achieved by maintaining a state of balance, where experiencing challenges, and experiencing rewarding life events occur almost simultaneously over time.

By referring to the Six-factor Model of Psychological Well-being, we can better pinpoint how companies and employers can meet the needs of their staff in order to keep productivity high and help employees feel cared about and valued.

Firstly, increasing social events and connection between employees will increase the positive relationships that exist within an employee's day. Adding in extra staff to HR teams to ensure that social needs are being met is a good way to ensure that your people feel connected and cared for.

Secondly, by giving proper training and allowing employees to focus on areas of their work that they have a natural aptitude for increases the ability for people to master a task. Another way to do this is to ensure that you offer opportunities for growth and learning within your company. More so now than ever, people do not want to feel stagnant, and candidates are far more likely to accept positions where they see the opportunity for professional growth over time.

The feeling of autonomy and independence, highly aids in feelings of well-being. People want the ability to choose, plain and simple. The movement from a traditional office environment to work from home or hybrid work models has given people the ability to get their work done in the way that best works for them and for their lifestyle. In fact, many companies have actually seen a sharp increase in productivity. Considering a hybrid model will help you hold onto employees by aiding in their sense of control and choice.

The last two factors; fostering feelings of purpose and meaning and feelings of personal development go hand in hand with providing employees the chance to focus on areas of work that interest them, and that are of value to the greater community/company. Increasing positive feedback, showing employees the results of their hard work, and spending the time to find out what work gets them excited is an excellent way to increase well-being.

All 6 factors foster a healthy work environment, and the best way to do so, is to create a workplace where an HR team watches out for your employees and ensures that their needs are met. Human resources are one of the fastest growing sectors of business as of the 2019 pandemic. The best way forward for companies and employees alike, is hand in hand with an excellent HR team who is knowledgeable, approachable, and skilled at dealing with transitions.

In conclusion, well-being is central to a person’s ability to work and to do a job well and with passion. When you equip your employees with a meaningful, purposeful, engaging and connected work environment, you will reap the benefits in productivity.

At OutsourceHR, we focus on helping your team grow and refine your processes in the best way possible for your people, while still being mindful that you have markers to meet as a business.

Send us an email today, we are here to help!