In a rapidly evolving work landscape, employee health and well-being are crucial for both individual and organizational success. The American Psychological Association (APA) recently conducted an extensive research study on workplace health and well-being in America—shedding light on key factors that contribute to a healthy and thriving work environment.
To make things easier for you, we’ve sifted through the report’s key findings and insights into how organizations can prioritize and enhance the well-being of their workforce. Here’s what we found.
Mental health and work
The research highlights the significance of mental health in the workplace. It emphasizes that promoting mental wellbeing can lead to higher productivity, job satisfaction, and lower levels of stress and burnout among employees. Employers are encouraged to prioritize initiatives such as creating a supportive culture, providing mental health resources, and destigmatizing mental health challenges.
Work-life integration
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a perennial challenge for many employees. The study emphasizes the importance of work-life integration, as opposed to traditional notions of balance. This approach recognizes that work and personal life are interdependent and encourages employers to offer flexible work arrangements, promote boundaries between work and personal life, and support employees in managing their responsibilities effectively.
At Kantola, we believe employees are no longer solely looking for a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging, they now want their personal experience–their life as a whole–to be a top priority.
Work-life harmony also involves having enough flexibility to mitigate conflicts between work and home life. Workers who said they did not have the flexibility to keep their work and personal life in balance were more likely to report that their work environment had a negative impact on their mental health (67%) compared with those who did have that flexibility (23%).
Physical health and wellbeing
Physical health plays a vital role in overall well-being, and the report emphasizes the need for employers to create a work environment that supports healthy behaviors. Organizations are encouraged to provide wellness programs, ergonomic workspaces, opportunities for physical activity, and access to nutritious food options. Additionally, fostering a culture that values and encourages self-care can have a positive impact on employees’ physical well-being.
Organizational support and policies
The APA report stresses the importance of organizational support and policies in enhancing workplace health and wellbeing. When employees feel valued, empowered, and supported by their organizations, they are more likely to experience higher levels of job satisfaction and overall wellbeing. The study highlights the significance of fair compensation, growth opportunities, and effective communication channels in fostering a supportive work environment.
Technology and transformative resources
Advancements in technology have transformed the way we work, and the report acknowledges the benefits and challenges associated with this digital shift. While technology enables flexibility and connectivity, it can also lead to work overload and blurring of boundaries. The research encourages employers to set clear expectations around technology use, promote digital well-being, and provide training and resources to help employees manage the digital demands effectively.
The APA’s research report on workplace health and well-being highlights the critical role that organizations play in fostering a healthy work environment. By prioritizing mental health, promoting work-life integration, supporting physical wellbeing, and providing organizational support and policies, employers can create a workplace culture that enhances employee wellbeing and contributes to their overall success.
As organizations adapt to the evolving work landscape, it is imperative to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their workforce, ultimately reaping the benefits of a happier, more engaged, and productive workforce.
