Rethinking Workplace Wellness: Focus on Healthy Work Environments
Written with artificial intelligence.
As World Mental Health Day approaches, experts urge organizations to shift their approach to employee wellness. Rather than relying on wellness programs, companies should address the root issues within the workplace that contribute to poor mental health.
The Need for Change in Workplace Wellness
With World Mental Health Day on October 10, discussions around employee wellness are prominent. Professor Renata Schoeman from Stellenbosch Business School emphasizes that organizations must reconsider their strategies. The focus should shift from wellness programs to creating work environments that prioritize psychological and physical safety.
Addressing the Core Issues
According to Prof Schoeman, many companies invest heavily in wellness initiatives without addressing underlying problems such as chronic overload, poor management, and job insecurity. She questions, "What if the workplace itself is the problem?" A recent International Labour Organization (ILO) report highlights that psychosocial risks lead to approximately 840,088 worker deaths globally each year, resulting in significant economic losses equivalent to 1.37% of global GDP.
Bridging the Gap Between Leadership and Employees
A disconnect exists between how executives and employees perceive workplace wellbeing. The 2025 Deloitte Well-being at Work report shows that while two-thirds of executives believe wellbeing has improved, only about a third of employees feel the same. Prof Schoeman argues that mental health should be a boardroom issue, with leaders accountable for fostering safe workplaces.
Practical Steps for Improvement
Prof Schoeman suggests the following actions for organizations to enhance workplace wellness:
- Measure wellbeing consistently: Move from annual surveys to continuous assessments of employee wellbeing.
- Empower employee voices: Facilitate open forums for employees to express concerns and influence workplace policies.
- Monitor beyond traditional metrics: Track indicators like paid leave usage and after-hours work to gauge employee wellbeing.
- Evaluate wellness programs: Assess participation in wellness initiatives to ensure they effectively reach employees.
Ultimately, organizations must transition from merely teaching resilience to redesigning work systems that minimize the need for such resilience. The aim is to create healthier work environments that genuinely support employee wellbeing.