Employee Wellbeing on World Mental Health Day: A Reflection with aum wellbeing’s Maria Memet and Austin Eaton
With World Mental Health Day upon us (October 10th), it's a perfect time to reflect on whether our current employee wellbeing programs are effectively meeting the needs of employees. In the UK alone, poor mental health and absenteeism cost companies an estimated £51 billion annually (Deloitte), with global costs exceeding $1 trillion (WHO).
A Broader Case for Holistic Wellbeing
Post-pandemic, there's been a surge in companies increasing their focus on mental health support. Yet, according to a Deloitte study, one in three employees still finds the support provided inadequate. These figures emphasise the importance of moving beyond surface-level initiatives. (Deloitte survey)
Wellbeing isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s an essential strategy that contributes to both employee satisfaction and business productivity. A comprehensive approach, addressing all facets of wellbeing, provides a more sustainable and impactful solution. Holistic wellbeing models, for instance, consider not only mental and physical health but also emotional, financial, social, and environmental factors.
Supporting Employees in Meaningful Ways
Maria Memet, Co-founder at aum wellbeing says,
“A key takeaway from recent discussions within leading corporations is that businesses need to engage their employees in an ongoing conversation about wellbeing. It’s crucial to ask employees what they truly need and design initiatives that offer lasting support, rather than quick fixes”.
Whilst her co-founder Austin Eaton, mentioned “Businesses need to take bottom-up approach, where employees are part of the wellbeing conversation. It’s about building trust and addressing genuine needs, a model that companies of all sizes can adopt to foster a healthier and more productive work environment”.
Looking Forward: Investing in Employee Wellbeing
Research by MHI and Business in the Community showed that the UK economic value of improved employee well-being could be between £130 billion to £370 billion per year or from 6 to 17 percent of the United Kingdom's GDP. That's the equivalent of £4,000 to £12,000 per UK employee. (Mckinsey)
By reflecting on existing programs and making room for authentic engagement, businesses can create a more supportive environment that empowers their employees. Companies should continuously assess their wellbeing strategies, ensuring they evolve with the needs of their workforce.
For those interested in integrating sustainable wellbeing solutions, organisations like aum wellbeing offer insightful guidance who believe in long-term success for both employees and businesses alike.
IG: @aum__wellbeing
Notes for reader:
aum wellbeing is a leading UK-based wellbeing provider, supporting companies like Microsoft and universities with sustainable, holistic solutions. Their approach is rooted in yoga, with all guides certified through over 200 hours of Yoga Alliance training. With a mission to support 1 million people by 2026, aum wellbeing focuses on delivering meaningful, sustainable wellness programs. Discover how they can help your business thrive by connecting with them here.
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