5 employee wellbeing statistics for every HR leader

The world of HR is filled with statistics, some useful and others not so much. The past couple of years has proven to be big for employee wellbeing and better incentives in the workplace, but what can both past and present statistics tell us about the future? What should HR leaders expect when it comes to building healthier, happier teams? 

With each statistic, we have broken it down number-by-number to get a better understanding of what these figures mean in the workplace. 

48% of employees believe professional development is one of the most effective stress-reduction methods

In a 2017 study, Udemy discovered that 48% of employees believe professional development reduces stress in the workplace. Surprisingly, training and development are huge areas that managers should consider. 

That’s because they can increase employee engagement which also benefits higher retention rates. We all want to progress in our careers, and a lack of opportunities often causes stress and unhappiness towards our current job or employer. 

70% of employees enrolled in wellness programmes reported higher job satisfaction than those not enrolled in the companies’ programme 

According to Aflac, their 2019 survey found a staggering 70% of employees enrolled in a wellness programme reporting higher job satisfaction. What Aflac didn’t predict was the sheer increase in wellness programmes, and mental health initiatives due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Although it isn’t totally due to the pandemic, topics such as mental health and workplace wellbeing sprung up across every industry and in every office. It is statistics like these that should reassure leaders of how critical wellness programmes are moving forward. 

If we are to improve the job satisfaction and happiness of employees, it’s important wellbeing programmes focusing on physical and mental health are increased. Read up on Heka’s mission to see how seriously we take employee wellbeing.

80% of employees at pet-friendly businesses report that having pets close while working makes them “happy, calm, and social.”

Bringing pets to work sounds pretty bizarre. Despite our four-legged friends climbing from cabinet to keyboard, it’s one of the biggest office trends in recent years. Some of us may not be able to wrap our heads around the concept, but surveys and studies are proving it to be an amazing idea.  

In one survey, eight in ten employees said having a pet at work would make them more relaxed, sociable and generally happy. While in another survey, 63% of respondents reported being “very satisfied” with their pet-friendly work environment. 

Ultimately, being around pets does boost our mood and wellbeing. This has been tried and tested, and many workplaces are enjoying the rewards that it brings. One statistic HR professionals should definitely take note of is that 63% of candidates would be much more enthusiastic about a job opportunity with a pet-friendly policy. 

38% of participants in a wellness program said that it helps them take fewer sick days.

Absenteeism and presenteeism are very real consequences of poor employee wellbeing. People need support in various ways to truly reduce sick days and absences without fair reason. 

It turns out employee wellness programmes help people take fewer sick days. Supporting people through holistic wellness and mental health consultations can alleviate any emotional stress they may be suffering from. 

Instead of bottling it up for months on end on a downward spiral of absenteeism and presenteeism, employees are able to tackle problems head-on. Still not sold? Did you know 7 out of 10 employees would be encouraged to stay in their current job if their workplace supported health and wellbeing.

About 77% of employees think that workplace wellness programmes positively impact the company culture 

Not only do wellness programmes help employees take fewer sick days, but they can also enhance company culture. Ultimately, the more we care for wellbeing in the workplace, the healthier and happier people are. And with this comes a positive company culture.

Once we take care of our personal wellbeing, we’re able to support others. This is the power of having wellness programmes. With every employee receiving ample support, most are able to operate at their best. From a happy, relaxed state of mind.

It’s no secret that when we are stressed with work, it can feel like the office is spinning into despair. Tasks become much more difficult, we suffer low morale, poor motivation and the atmosphere is made hostile. 

It’s clear, that company culture plays a pivotal role in everything from job satisfaction to employee happiness. As so many workplaces suffer from burnout culture, the drastic improvements a wellness program can make shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, it could be the answer your company has been looking for.  

Boosting wellbeing through our employee benefits platform 🧘‍♀️

It isn’t always easy to boost employee wellbeing. It takes time, dedication and the capacity to really listen to the needs of your team. 🔎

Through Heka, our members are booking thousands of wellbeing experiences, services and products. Whether that’s virtual yoga, axe-throwing in the heart of London or a 60-minute consultation with a financial expert. 

To put it simply, there’s something for everyone and everyone, and that’s why we’re so passionate about our employee wellbeing platform. We understand that wellbeing and incentives have to be personalised for their best results. 📊

If you’d like to find out how Heka can help revolutionise both employee wellbeing and your benefits package, speak to our wellbeing experts today! 

What should I read next? 📚

We publish multiple articles each week, giving HR professionals the latest tips, techniques and secrets to people management and leadership success! 🏆

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• The ultimate guide to employee wellbeing in 2022
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