Does wellbeing start at work? The reasons why a positive workplace can improve your health

Jun 24, 2022

If there’s anything the pandemic taught us, it’s the importance of worker wellbeing. And countless studies indicate that that more company managers are making wellbeing at work at priority. Our own research supports this, with 46 percent of Australian employers telling us that they’re investing in innovations that support the mental health and wellbeing of their teams.

So, what might that all look like in practice? How does wellbeing and work collide, and how might your workplace have a positive impact on your health and even improve it? Here are some insights into what’s happening in workplaces right now.

Better work/life balance

Companies that place importance on their employees having their own lives outside of work are fast becoming more attractive workplaces. Managers may create more work/life balance for staff by scheduling shifts to help support your family commitments, enabling flexible working arrangements when possible, or being understanding when life events get in the way of work.

Perks and benefits you actually use

For some employees, perks and benefits are a big drawcard – simply because they make your life better, support your mental and physical health, or leave more money in your pocket. And many companies are getting the memo, offering staff benefits such as free counselling sessions, access to a nearby gym or corporate subscriptions for meditation apps or online fitness programs. Other perks may include mentoring, additional paid parental leave, financial wellbeing programs, extra superannuation or insurance / finance discounts. When talking with job agencies or interviewing for jobs, always ask about the benefits being offered.

A wage you can live on

It’s no secret that earning peanuts and struggling to make ends meet is going to leave you stressed and miserable. But how much does salary impact wellbeing? This is where it gets murky. Some studies show that workplace wellbeing can’t be ‘bought’ by paying employees more, and the $75,000-80,000 salary level is considered the sweet spot. Other researchers suggest wellbeing does increase above incomes of $75k – but some findings show if you earn really big bucks, that can increase stress. Ultimately, you want to earn enough to pay your bills, be able to save and plan for your future, and live comfortably – and it’s a no-brainer that companies who pay fairly will always attract the best talent.

Leaders who care about their teams

We’ve all been in a job where the leadership made us miserable – maybe because there was bullying going on, or you were being micromanaged constantly. So it’s great to see companies investing in their leaders and realising that the company culture filters down from the top. If your company has managers who are empathetic, embrace diversity, are respectful when offering feedback and celebrate their employees’ wins, that’s going to boost workplace wellbeing – and lead to better productivity and engagement overall. Look up companies who are recruiting on Glassdoor and talk to other people in your industry to get a feel for whether a particular workplace would be a good fit for you.

Being able to future-proof your career

We’re seeing many industries start to feel the pinch from AI and automation – with McKinsey research suggesting that up to 46 percent of current jobs in Australia could be automated by 2030. Of course, that means some jobs will be replaced, but experts say other roles will be created – and being empowered to upskill and train in ways that can future-proof your career is key to wellbeing. Employers who offer training are seen as far more valuable.