Prioritizing Occupational Well-Being in the Workplace

When you think of what your dream career looks like, what are a few elements that come to mind? Maybe financial security, or feeling challenged and fulfilled? For many, flexibility rises to the top of the list. Flexibility is one of the most valued qualities in the workplace by not only employees, but employers, too. Because flexibility benefits both sides, it contributes to a more adaptable, enjoyable, and inviting workplace. 

Flexible scheduling, for example, reduces job-related stress by 20% and increases satisfaction by 62%. And when employees feel satisfied and rewarded by their jobs, they’re less likely to leave for positions elsewhere.

Flexibility plays a major role in occupational well-being. Occupational wellness is the ability to achieve a balance between work and leisure in a way that promotes health and a sense of personal satisfaction. It allows people to explore various career options and encourages them to pursue the opportunities they enjoy the most, helping them find more meaning through their work.

As you look to address the health and wellness of your workforce this year, make sure your employee wellness program incorporates occupational wellness, one of the 6 areas of well-being. 

All 6 areas of well-being are connected — you can’t really address occupational well-being without factoring in mental health. For example, incorporating a health-driven, flexible work environment will also help improve your employees' mental health and emotional well-being.

As we begin the fourth installment of our wellness series, we're diving deeper into the importance of occupational wellness and how you can highlight it in the workplace.

Encouraging Occupational Well-Being in the Workplace

It's no secret that the onset of the pandemic boosted the popularity of remote work. 94% of employees report feeling like their work productivity is the same or higher than before they worked remotely. In fact, research shows that when employees are able to work from home, their performance increases by at least 22%. 

Flexible remote and hybrid work schedules have a big impact on occupational well-being. For example, employees spend less time and money on commuting and childcare. This gives them time back with their families, and it allows for more wiggle room in their schedules. 

This flexibility makes it easier for employees to balance their workloads with other tasks, without having to jeopardize their financial wellness by hiring extra help or taking time off. However; despite all of the positive outcomes from remote work and hybrid models, many employers continue to cling to the pre-pandemic, in-person work model.

This has created tension with younger, digital-native employees who have proven to be just as productive at home – if not more — as they are behind the walls of a cubicle. Deloitte’s 2022 Global Gen Z and Millennial survey reports that 75% of Gen Z and 76% of millennial employees prefer hybrid or remote work structures. Not to mention, 63% of employees from all generations want flexible hours and three or four-day work weeks.

At this rate, companies who force employees to solely work in the office are placing their recruitment and retention efforts in jeopardy. Luckily, there are a few different ways you can implement flexibility in the workplace to improve your employees' occupational well-being.

—Offer non-traditional scheduling, flex time, or unlimited PTO
—Provide different types of work environments, like private and collaborative spaces
—Allow the option to work remotely
—Use different management styles for different employees based on their work styles and preferences
—Encourage creative thinking
—Ask for feedback on what the company or management could be doing better
—Reward employees for providing constructive input

Traditionally, we think of flexibility in terms of time, but it also applies to the setup of physical spaces, work locations, how meetings are conducted, the types of conversations that are held, and more. 

At OnSite Wellness, we can help you implement flexibility and promote the importance of occupational well-being at your workplace. Reach out today to get started.

Each month, we'll continue to break down these 6 categories of well-being in greater detail — be sure to follow along and don't miss out on how you can invest in wellness to help your employees thrive.

Need some help? Let us guide you. At OnSite Wellness, employee health and wellness is our specialty. We can help you implement all areas of wellness in your program so you can build a happier, stronger workforce.