016: We're engaged!
When once the equation was: 'Healthy employees contribute to a healthy business', the equation now is: Engaged employees power purposeful businesses'
Howdy folks,
The concept of corporate wellness has been ingrained for a considerable period, focusing on areas such as resilience management, health assessments, stress reduction, work/life balance, and change management. I’ll be frank, and you be Fred; the primary goal of corporate wellness programs is unequivocally to enhance employee productivity and boost business profitability. When once the equation was: healthy employees contribute to a healthy business, the equation now is: engaged employees power purposeful businesses.
Clinging to traditional models of corporate health and wellness no longer align with the evolving needs of the current workforce. Over the past few decades, we've cultivated a society that glorifies ‘Workism’ and 'hustle-culture,' emphasising individual responsibility for success. Yet, this perspective has shifted, recognising the importance of work fulfilling more than just survival needs. Modern employees increasingly seek employers to address their individual needs, relational aspirations, and sense of purpose.
While previous generations viewed work as a means to meeting basic needs, and as a simple exchange of time and skills for money, today's workforce sees it as a source of community, connection, and purpose. Companies, having demanded employees' physical and emotional energy and prioritised work above all else, find employees expecting workplaces to fulfill diverse needs, from friendship to community, and health to self-worth. Consequently, the workplace has morphed into the most intense and intimate relationship for some individuals, akin to seeking love, friendship, and comfort in any close bond.
This symbiotic relationship, intentionally curated by companies, positions them as providers for basic survival and financial needs but falls short in addressing other human needs for connection and community. Gallup has defined meaningful recognition must move away from token gestures like gift cards, employee of the month awards, and donuts, and towards consistent and meaningful conversations between managers and their team members, encompassing meaningful recognition, collaboration, goals and priorities, and strengths.
It's high time for companies to go beyond superficial gestures and genuinely listen to employee needs, and understand their strengths. This involves creating safe, inclusive spaces for honest communication, and opportunites for both personal and professional learning.
In essence, companies must elevate their role in employees’ lives. Mere payment of wages is inadequate; employees crave a supportive community, genuine connection, and a sense of purpose. The time for change is now, and companies possess the power to create cultures of safety, belonging, and engagement.
Want to learn some practical strategies which you can swiftly, seamlessly, and effortlessly implement to foster a Culture of Engagement within your team. Book the “Leading the Future Workforce” workshop.
Cheers for now, -Rhea. ✌🏽 Linkedin | Instagram