Why has well-being in the workplace become so central to business?

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Since the health crisis and the many upheavals in society. It would seem that employees have become aware that working in a pleasant environment is essential. Managers need to listen to these new needs, and rethink their HR policies. The company is more focused on its employees and their experience. Indeed, the well-being of employees fosters productivity and improves collaboration within companies. In-house atmosphere helps attract and retain talent. There's no such thing as the ideal workplace , since everyone has specific needs. It's more a question of designing spaces in a practical, ergonomic and pleasant way. Quality of life at work must be the main driver for change. Indeed, this harmony impacts the health of the company, its services and its future.

 

Well-being at work, a factor in attracting and retaining talent

Today's employees are no longer just looking for a job, but for a corporate culture that's right for them. They need to feel integrated and fulfilled in their work environment to increase their motivation and commitment. This means paying attention to their health and well-being. Management will therefore have a key role to play in keeping employees motivated to counter the risks of telecommuting, for example.

Indeed, 91% of employees believe there is a correlation between well-being at work and personal happiness (Microsoft and Opinion Way, 2021). Details of the Opinion Way study can be found here. It's modern work, and it's what's needed to encourage collaborative working, a healthy work environment and the creation of corporate value .

In order to attract new employees, a wellness policy seems necessary, since it contributes to the professional fulfillment of employees. For example, the prevention of musculoskeletal risks, raising awareness of physical activities or the preservation of a healthy mind. Communication, trust and respect are the key success factors of a good HR policy. 

The survey also shows that 70% of employees feel that their company is making significant progress in the area of well-being at work. They expect their organization to be genuinely committed toinclusion, and see this as a differentiating factor. Taking employee values into consideration is a corporate mission. The positive influence of happy, motivated employees can only be beneficial to the company and its future - a worthwhile investment for years to come.

 

The work environment at the heart of the problem

Comfort at work is also expressed through the layout of premises and offices. A pleasant working environment means, for example, places to rest and exchange ideas, decoration, plants, etc. All this contributes to productivity and improved team cohesion. All this contributes to productivity and improved team cohesion. The main concern must be the well-being and health of employees.

In this sense, the study states that 37% of employees find their workplace unpleasant, a statement corroborated by an analysis by real estate specialist JLLwhich indicates that 43% of employees no longer consider their company a good place to work, and that 83% want "more human" offices.. Find out more about JLL's barometer on employees' new work preferences here.

This notion seems all the more important with the arrival of hybrid and flex office working. Employees must be given the opportunity to work in silence, with bubbles, and in collaborative spaces to exchange ideas. The layout of spaces must therefore be planned so that each employee finds the space he or she needs.

Everything to do with office design needs to be considered: from workstation ergonomics and lighting to building location. We spend most of our time at work. So it's vital to our psychological stability to work in a place that's adapted and warm.

 

A concrete action plan for employees

Take concrete action to cultivate the pleasure of working within your company. This requires a commitment on the part of employers and executives, as well as managers. It's the whole ecosystem that will create a satisfying atmosphere and harmony.

First and foremost, communication is essential. Gathering feedback from employees on problematic work situations or sources of tension is essential. What's more, good upward communication enables problems to be resolved quickly and intelligently internally. In this way, a positive working climate and trust are naturally established. 

In addition, informal time and extra-professional activities have become key factors in the creation of bonds between employees, creating a convivial atmosphere where productivity is at its peak. A happy employee is a productive employee. 

Here are a few examples of companies that have launched initiatives to promote employee happiness. Companies in all sectors and of all sizes have chosen to go from 5 to 4 working days a week. MV Group, Systemes B, LDLC and Love Radius have all decided to innovate in this area.

Click here, you'll find one of our articles on the work environment, a real lever for developing employee comfort. All that's left is for you to test your own method and adapt it according to the feedback you receive. If you'd like us to support you in this process, please contact us!