What Does “Wellness” Look Like?

Most of the world’s 3.4 billion workers are unwell, whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, or economically, as shown in the statistics below.

The Global Wellness Institute states the following:

• Economic Illness – Many workers face, and live with, serious economic insecurity, with 74% making less than $13/day; 45% being employed in low-skill/manual jobs; and 77% being employed in part-time, or unstable, jobs
• Generational Decline – Workers are aging at a historic rate, with it being estimated that 18% of the workforce will be over 55 by 2030
• Physical, Emotional, and Mental Illnesses – Workers are unhealthy, with 76% self-reporting that they’re struggling with their wellbeing, with a large number stating they are “struggling” or “suffering” in terms of physical well-being. They say they are under excessive pressure at work, which has a demonstrable effect on business health as well.

It is estimated that accidents, occupational diseases, and other work-related health problems cost about 5% of global GDP. Little wonder, then, that wellness programmes are springing up anywhere and everywhere.

But, what IS wellness? And, more importantly, what does wellness in the workplace look like?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides a useful definition:
“A healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of all workers and the sustainability of the workplace…“.

WHO also has a great “model for action”, which could be useful if you are trying to decide how wellness might be integrated into your business planning, here.

If you’re struggling to understand your obligations as an employer, or to understand what a wellness programme is and how to implement it within your workplace, contact the team at Working Wise today.

We can provide information, support, and help you to put plans and processes in place to help you manage your, and your employees, health at work. You can phone us on 04 499 0710, or complete our online contact form.