In the wake of the profound changes witnessed in the business world since 2020, one of the most encouraging shifts has been our collective perception of employee wellness. Historically, wellness efforts were reactive and primarily concentrated on the physical well-being of employees. However, today, leadership teams in diverse sectors have come to realise the advantages of proactive and comprehensive wellness strategies encompassing mental, financial, and social well-being.

Charisma Healthcare Solutions collaborates closely with businesses to implement wellness programs. Our approach begins at home, within our own organisation and extends to the broader Adcorp Group. It is evident that a direct correlation exists between wellness, employee engagement, and productivity, a fact supported by numerous studies. For instance, Gallup’s research has affirmed the well-established link between employee engagement and 11 critical performance outcomes, with customer loyalty, profitability, productivity, and turnover ranking at the top.

Beyond engagement, the World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates that mental health will emerge as the most significant crisis facing our planet by 2030. The implications for people, teams, organisations, and how employees and customers interact are profound. A reactive approach to wellness is no longer adequate, given the considerable time people spend at work. Holistic wellness programs offer a robust solution to address this impending issue.

At the core of our Group philosophy lies the belief that wellness should be an integral part of our corporate DNA. It commences with our recruitment practices, ensuring that everyone within our organisation, from leadership teams to the entire workforce , embraces and embodies this value. This underscores the pivotal role of leadership in designing and implementing wellness programs tailored for the modern workforce.

Leadership is the linchpin. If top management doesn’t wholeheartedly embrace the process, wellness remains an alien concept within the organisation, and any programme established becomes mere token gestures or annual ‘wellness’ ritual. Such programmes have limited impact and, under such circumstances, can be more detrimental than having no programme at all. Conversely, when authentic care emanates from the top, employees feel valued and appreciated, fostering a sense of belonging. This is when employees are motivated to give more than they receive, leading to increased engagement and productivity.

Here are the key areas where leadership teams can champion wellness, yielding favourable outcomes in terms of return on investment and overall business performance:

Setting the Tone

Leadership establishes the tone for the entire organisation. When leadership prioritises and values employee wellness, it encourages the rest of the company to follow suit. Active involvement of top executives in wellness initiatives sends a powerful message about the significance of health and well-being, setting the stage for a healthier workplace culture.

Hiring for Cultural Fit

The days of hiring managers solely based on their ability to meet targets are a thing of the past. Leaders who leave their subordinates in distress are unsustainable. A holistic wellness approach is ingrained in an organisation’s operation, emphasising people over profits. Achieving this requires leaders who understand and endorse this mission.

Encouraging Vulnerability

Traditionally, leaders were expected to appear infallible and devoid of weaknesses. However, a culture of wellness demands leaders to display vulnerability and relatability. Vulnerability humanises leadership, strengthening the company culture and fostering a sense of security.

Nurturing a Safe Culture

A holistic wellness programme relies on approachable leaders who can recognise when an employee requires support. Building psychological safety throughout the organisation, including empathetic managers and training, is crucial. Managers should be selected or promoted with this culture in mind.

Investing in Training

While many leaders intuitively understand employee needs, comprehensive training is essential. This training should cover various aspects, from managing employee wellness in remote work settings to fostering vulnerability and empathy. Effective management in supporting wellness programmes requires ongoing training and a culture of sharing best practices.

Building a Sustainable Business

Sustainability is a prevailing theme across different business landscapes, emphasising people as a top priority. Investing in people not only creates better businesses but also enables organisations to make a positive impact on the economy and communities they serve.

In conclusion, the role of leadership in advancing employee wellness cannot be overstated. It serves as a catalyst for building healthier, more engaged, and more productive workplaces, ultimately leading to sustained business success and community impact.