Mark Crawley, author of “Lead from the Heart” emphasizes that, “…employee well-being isn’t a nice-to-have, it is a direct, consistent, and powerful force for team and organizational success. Research from Oxford University and others proves that leaders who prioritize well-being create environments where employees not only thrive but outperform.”
No matter the industry, company size, generations working, or education level, employees excel and flourish when they feel:
- That they belong,
- Valued,
- Psychologically, physically, emotionally, and socially safe,
- Trusted, and
- Supported.
This requires a culture where leaders realize and authentically demonstrate to employees that they matter. Other leadership methods do not quite unlock employee potential and excellence. Both potential and excellence are also what employees want to achieve. AND, both enhance well-being for the person as well as for the organization. It’s a win-win for the organization as well as for all stakeholders.
The result is that employee sense of well-being skyrockets and their productivity, commitment, and loyalty soar. It can’t be ‘well’ washing, that has never worked! Instead, embed a culture of well-being, safety, and care throughout the organization. A wellness culture and wellness initiatives do not mean more pool tables, ice cream socials, biometric screenings, and weight loss challenges. It’s quite the opposite. Of course, all of these can be niceties once the culture is embedded!
What do employees want and what contributes to their well-being? Having,
- Autonomy, but being an active team member
- Mastery as well as growth opportunities
- Challenges and the resources to succeed
- A sense of purpose
- The knowledge that what they do matters
- The realization that they are making contributions to something greater
- A sense of belonging – some in the field feel this is paramount for well-being and success
- Recognition and Appreciation for their contribution.
Enhancing stakeholder and organizational well-being require a culture of care and safety, one where employee contributions are truly valued and acknowledged. Such a workplace is not necessarily a ‘fun’ place to work, but one where employees are motivated to perform at their best. There are expectations and accountability; however, employees love what they do and can’t wait to come to work to do more, be better, and excel.
Ensuring this culture and the leadership qualities that are essential are the essential ingredients – the foundation – that fosters organizational and stakeholder well-being. Envision the possibilities… thriving, energized employees who are flourishing at work and outside of work. They are confident, feel respected and appreciated, and have the tools and skills to succeed.
We have said this many times over the past 2+ decades: cultivating such a company and developing this type of leadership must be the centerpiece of workplace wellness and safety initiatives. Safety and Well-Being are inextricably connected, and organizational well-being is inextricably connected to both.
This should be the focus of workplace wellness programs and blended with safety for total worker health (NIOSH). Be a disruptive innovator and make it happen in 2026!