The Wellbeing Crisis: How communications professionals can spark positive change

In recent years, we have witnessed an escalating wellbeing crisis. The pressures of modern life, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, have left many employees feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. Stress, burnout, and mental health challenges have infiltrated workplaces, affecting productivity, morale, and overall organisational health. 

However, this crisis also presents a unique opportunity for communication professionals to lead the charge in driving meaningful change and supporting employee wellbeing. 

So, how can we foster a culture that prioritises wellbeing, acknowledge the risks of overlooking this issue, and embrace the transformative benefits of prioritising wellbeing?

Understanding the Challenge

The statistics surrounding the wellbeing crisis are striking. In the UK, 76% of employees report experiencing burnout at some point in their careers (CIPD Employee Wellbeing Survey 2022). Burnout is not merely a fleeting moment of stress; it can lead to severe physical and mental health challenges.  

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), work-related stress accounts for 51% of all work-related ill health in Britain, underscoring that our workplaces can often become breeding grounds for these issues. 

The ripple effects are profound. Organisations lacking a clear wellbeing strategy face a 25% higher turnover rate and a 30% decrease in productivity (The Mental Health Foundation). When employees grapple with poor mental health, their ability to concentrate, collaborate, and innovate diminishes, preventing both the organisation and its employees from reaching their full potential.

Inspiring a Wellbeing Revolution

 1. Support Your Colleagues in Influencing Leadership

One of the most impactful actions you can take is to support HR - or relevant departments - in influencing leadership to recognise the urgent need for wellbeing initiatives. Craft compelling messages that resonate with decision-makers, emphasising how a strong wellbeing agenda can drive employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Present data and testimonials that highlight the tangible benefits of investing in employee wellbeing. Good reference points include McKinsey who often do research in this space, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)  MIND the mental health charity, CIPD, and Mental Health UK  

2. Craft Meaningful Messages

As you know, your messaging must resonate deeply with employees. Share authentic stories that underscore the importance of wellbeing - think personal journeys and successes. Develop narratives that encourage open conversations around mental health, emphasising that seeking help is essential. 

Create campaigns that spotlight employee experiences, showcasing how wellbeing initiatives have positively impacted their lives, emphasising a message of support. 

3. Build Connections – Empower Employees

Wellbeing is a collective effort, and communication professionals have a unique opportunity to forge connections. Engage with stakeholders across all levels - HR, management, and employee resource groups - to ensure that wellbeing initiatives align with your organisation’s core values. 

Encouraging collaboration and soliciting feedback can help tailor wellbeing programmes to specific needs. By creating a supportive community, you empower employees to take ownership of their wellbeing. Host discussions or workshops where employees can share their thoughts and experiences, promoting a culture of openness. 

4. Leverage Data with Heart

Data can be a powerful tool for inspiring action. Use relevant statistics to highlight the positive outcomes of prioritising wellbeing. For instance, organisations that invest in employee wellbeing experience 21% less absenteeism, according to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Sharing such insights can create urgency around the need for wellbeing initiatives. When employees - especially managers - see the connection between wellbeing and productivity, they are more likely to advocate for these initiatives. 

Acknowledging the Risks

The risks of neglecting this crisis are huge. The 2022 Gallup report found that companies in the UK with low employee engagement see 18% lower productivity and 16% lower profitability. These statistics represent real lives impacted by workplace stress. A decrease in productivity and profitability is a clear indicator that employees are not fully connected to their work. This disengagement can stem from various factors related to poor wellbeing, such as stress, burnout, or a lack of support. 

Embracing the Benefits of Wellbeing

The benefits of prioritising employee wellbeing are both tangible and transformative. Organisations that embrace wellbeing strategies cultivate a culture of positivity, innovation, and collaboration. Employees who feel supported are more engaged, productive, and likely to remain with the company. 

In conclusion, the wellbeing crisis is a call to action—an opportunity for communication professionals to ignite change and support a culture of wellbeing within their organisations.  

 Louise is as Associate trainer with The Academy and founder of leadership and executive wellness coaching practice LBP Wellness.