Employee well-being has been at the front and centre of every corporate conversation in order to create a healthy and positive work environment. The challenges that the pandemic brought to light resulted in the emergence of a work environment that takes a holistic approach to employee well-being. In the current times, the concept of work and the workplace is changing. The term work has become more fluid, transcending space and time. This emerging flexible or hybrid work approach requires an inclusive working environment that embraces the challenge and creates a healthy organisation that prioritises employees' well-being to work successfully towards a common goal and vision. 

The pandemic has also reshaped the priorities of organisations. According to the recent edition of Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, 53% of employees are more likely to prioritise health and well-being over work than before the pandemic. Organisations, on the other hand, are also acting on their newfound priorities that include focusing on the holistic well-being of the employees’ mental, physical, emotional, financial, and psychological aspects. Covid 19 has compelled leaders, organisations, and employees to dig deep and evaluate what's important and what is not. 

The emergence of healthy organisations

What does it take to create a  healthy organisation?

A healthy organisation is built on a people-centric approach to all aspects of work. It entails shifting the emphasis away from traditional employee benefits and directing it towards a demonstrated commitment to psychological safety and fairness, as well as a culture of employee listening. Healthy organisations tend to cultivate a culture, climate, and practices that promote employee health and safety as well as organisational effectiveness. It becomes imperative for the organisations to understand the importance of elevating the environment and culture that promotes and encourages their employees to hold their physical health, social health, as well as mental health on priority. 

organisations are increasingly adopting ways to enhance the life quality of their employees by introducing facilities to help them look after their health through having in-house or tie-ups with gyms, upgrading their pantries with healthy and variety food, resting rooms, etc. The emphasis has also been put on having a good work-life balance by providing offsite trips, employee engagement games, social team meets, etc. In addition to this, companies are taking special care in creating an environment where the employees have quality interactions and relationships with their colleagues, managers, etc. The third and most important is mental health, which has come into prominence due to the effects that the pandemic has had on almost all of us. There are special teams set up to address and provide support and counselling for those facing problems related to stress, etc.

The need for Healthy organisations has emerged as a result of these newfound employee expectations. A work culture that values flexibility and puts employee well-being first. To develop a thriving organisation and drive long-term growth, there is a need for workplaces that recognizes the significance of putting employees first. With an educational nudge from programs and solutions that help firms move well beyond well-being, these new difficulties can be transformed into possibilities. An aid in providing staff with the appropriate training, allowing the company to embrace productivity, growth, and resilience.  

Importance of healthy organisations

A healthy organisation encourages healthy business practices. Companies embrace a corporate-wide focus on organisational health at all levels. The commitment to well-being is shared by all parts and levels of the organisation. To attract and retain talent and sustain financial success, healthy organisations find ways to make everyone feel supported and cared for.

These healthy business practices help to strengthen organisational values by instilling trust in the workplace. organisations should develop practices and culture to help employees learn skills that will foster innovation, creativity, and team engagement. To create a culture free of inhibitions, a space that promotes a harmonious work environment characterised with high morale and productivity.

A healthy leader

Good leadership is one of the main characteristics of a healthy organisation. To drive a healthy organisation, these evolving business practices require strong leadership and a new generation of managers to transition into a new leadership role. A manager who develops effective leadership skills and fosters a work environment in which employees feel heard and valued in order to increase dedication, engagement, and retention. 

Learning opportunities

The transition from employee well-being to building a healthy organisation is fluid. The rapidly changing world and its surrounding uncertainties have made one thing abundantly clear: innovation is the order of the day. To be relevant and grow, one must continuously innovate to keep up with the times. Employees and managers can improve their efficiency and production by utilising training techniques and learning opportunities to keep ahead of or in step with changes in the industry and business environment.