34107709 © Syda Productions | Dreamstime
66ec4aeb8a89de7deadb3042 Dreamstime L 34107709

Workplace Well-Being is Worsening

Sept. 19, 2024
All is not well at work, according to recent findings.

The workplace has undergone significant changes in the past five years. So, too, has worker well-being.

An annual survey of more than 1.5 million workers has found that between 2019 and 2023, workplace well-being has declined. There was a noticeable improvement in 2020, but that has since eroded as workers have returned to the office and lost the flexibility that improved work-life balance.

All surveyed industries saw the same decline, but health care, retail and hospitality sectors reported the lowest levels in workplace well-being. 

The survey is part of the "Well-Being at Work: Fostering a Healthy Climate for All" report from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Great Place to Work. The surevey measured five key dimensions for fostering corporate climates: 

  1. Mental and emotional support,
  2. Sense of purpose,
  3. Personal support,
  4. Financial support and
  5. Meaningful connections.

Companies with high levels of well-being show the substantial businesses cost of not providing  psychological safety at the workplace in the form of lower profits, decreased engagment, higher turnover, poorer customer service and increased health care costs. 

"Improving employee well-being can be complex—our research highlights a need for leaders to address organizational culture factors coupled with a more nuanced management approach to create a climate of well-being for all," said Rick Smith, faculty director at the Human Capital Development Lab and co-author, in a statement.

The report found that female, African-American and younger employees all scored lower in well-being than colleagues who were male, white, and older. The findings regarding gender and race highlight "the ongoing need for organizations to address equity, inclusion and belonging for all employes."

The full report is available here

 

 

About the Author

Nicole Stempak

Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Navigating ESG Risk in Your Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover the role of ESG in supply chains, from reducing carbon footprints to complying with new regulations and enhancing long-term business value.

Understanding ESG Risks in the Supply Chain

Sept. 26, 2024
Understand the critical role of ESG in supply chains, the risks for hiring companies, and the competitive edge suppliers gain by prioritizing sustainability.

Best Practices for Managing Subcontractor Risk

Sept. 26, 2024
Discover how to effectively manage subcontractor risk with unified strategies, enhanced oversight, and clear communication for consistent safety and compliance.

Building a Culture of Support: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Workplace

Sept. 26, 2024
Find best practices for setting up an organizational culture that promotes positive mental health and suicide prevention.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!