Sometimes, there’s a big gap between what employees need for their wellbeing and what employers think they need.
A pizza party once a month or a last-minute online event won’t solve the problem. Employees can easily see when these efforts aren’t genuine.
Let’s explore what ‘wellbeing washing’ is, and how you can avoid it while truly supporting your team.
What is Wellbeing Washing?
Wellbeing washing is when businesses say they care about their employees’ wellbeing, but don’t really follow through. Instead of offering real help, they give surface-level perks, like one-off yoga sessions, without addressing the bigger picture.
These companies tend to react to problems as they pop up, but don’t work on fixing the root causes. On the other hand, employees are looking for meaningful changes, such as better work-life balance, more control over their work, and job satisfaction. These changes have a much bigger impact on mental wellbeing than a slice of pizza!
What’s the Impact?
Wellbeing washing can hurt your business. It makes employees lose trust and feel less motivated. In the long run, they may leave, which could harm your company’s reputation and finances.
On the other hand, when businesses show they genuinely care, employees are happier and more likely to stay.
Here’s How You Can Really Support Your Team’s Wellbeing:
- Listen to Your Employees!
- Pulse Surveys: Regularly ask your team what they need. Use their feedback to create initiatives that tackle real issues, like workplace stress or lack of flexibility.
- Actionable Insights: If your team says they’re stressed or overworked, offer real support, like stress management workshops, counselling, or adjusting workloads.
- Make Wellbeing Part of Your Culture
- Lead by Example: Encourage leaders to take breaks, manage their own work-life balance, and join in on wellbeing activities. When the top people in your company show they value wellbeing, it sends a clear message to everyone else.
- Ongoing Support: Instead of offering one-off events, set up long-term support systems. This could include regular check-ins on mental health, flexible working hours, and fitness resources. Make sure you support employees as a whole, looking after their mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing.
- Invest in Growth and Development
- Career Wellbeing: Provide opportunities for training, mentorship, and career growth. When employees feel supported in their development, their overall wellbeing improves.
- Recognition and Rewards: Regularly acknowledge your team’s hard work. Whether it’s a formal reward, a bonus, or simply saying ‘thank you,’ it can boost morale and wellbeing.
Avoid ‘wellbeing washing’ by truly committing to your employees’ wellbeing. Listen to what they need, make it part of your company’s culture, and support their growth. This will lead to happier, more productive employees – which is a win for everyone!
Need a chat?
If you’d like to talk about any part of your HR, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here to help.