How does holistic wellbeing fit into the workplace?

Gone are the days where organisations do nothing to support the wellbeing of their workforce or offer access to an Employee Assistance Programs alone. We have and continue to live through some of the toughest times in history. Workplaces now face greater challenges stemming from supply chain issues and major economic disruption, digitisation and technological adoption, changing buyer behaviours and significant talent shortages in many industries. This final point has shifted the position of power in the workplace and has rendered employees far more powerful than ever before. Workers now demand better work-life balance, a psychologically safe work environment and for their health and wellbeing to be understood, prioritised and supported, at all costs.  

With the evolving position of the employee in the workplace, organisations need to fast adapt in order survive. An EAP is no longer the solution to supporting workers’ wellbeing. There is now greater pressure on organisations to care for the whole individual and to offer holistic wellbeing practices that support employees in thriving, both at home and at work.  

For many years, there was great emphasis in the workplace on traditional benefits, perks and wellness incentives. Organisations would offer flu clinics to employees, have fruit baskets in the office and facilitate group workouts or yoga sessions after work. These initiates are useful and contribute greatly to an individuals' physical wellbeing, though more needs to be provided for wellbeing in the workplace to be managed effectively.  

Holistic wellbeing fosters a culture of wellbeing around the whole individual and touches on all elements of wellbeing that impact our day-to-day lives. In offering holistic wellbeing solutions, we're able to offer support in the mental, physical, social, emotional, community and career aspect of an individual's life. When employees have support in all pillars, they’re able to truly live well and thrive through life’s ebbs and flows. They not only feel valued and supported, but are far more engaged, resilient, creative, productive and invested in the long-term success of the organisation. 

Earlier, we touched on skill shortages. As a result of the global pandemic, many workers returned to their home country leaving major skill gaps in the Australian market. This puts employees in a position of power whereby they can make demands and should the demands not be met, know that many other organisations will welcome them in and pay whatever it costs to hire good talent. As a result of this, organisations must focus on (a) retaining talent and ultimately doing “whatever it takes” and (b) becoming a workplace of choice, which ultimately means fostering a work environment that appears to put the employees’ needs first.  

Despite many organisations just starting to understand the gravity of wellbeing in the workplace, there is now increasing pressure to better look after their workers, to provide services, solutions and initiatives that will care for the whole individual, and to be proactive when it comes to preventive care. For many, a steep learning curve awaits, one that should be a priority in any organisation.  

Last month, when we launched our new brand, our focus was on bringing to market a more holistic, integrated and substantial wellbeing offering. We know that this aligns with the evolving needs of organisations and equally aligns with the values of employees in today's complex world. 

If you’re looking to expand your wellbeing offering and providing greater access to holistic wellbeing services, call our wellbeing team to find out how we can help your workers thrive! 

Call us on 1300 135 600