The Battle of Wellness vs Well-being: Which One Deserves More Attention?

The Battle of Wellness vs Well-being: Which One Deserves More Attention?

The terms wellness and well-being are often used interchangeably in the modern-day corporate jargon, especially in the context of workplace policies. However, the two concepts differ significantly from each other, and it is essential to understand their nuances to redirect attention effectively to where it is required.

Wellness is often used as a broad term to encapsulate employee health, safety, and overall physical and mental wellbeing. On the other hand, well-being is a more refined term that focuses on developing a positive mindset, emotional intelligence, and resilience in employees. While both concepts are critical in their way, the question remains – which one deserves more attention?

Wellness initiatives have been around for several years now, and employers have invested heavily in them. Workplace wellness programs offer employees various resources to manage their physical wellness, such as gym memberships, healthy food options, and ergonomic workstations. These programs work on the premise that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and provide a positive return on investment.

While this may be true, it is essential to acknowledge that wellness initiatives only address the physical well-being of an employee. Employees with high levels of stress and anxiety, which are two of the most significant contributing factors to absenteeism, low productivity, and the quality of work, cannot use a gym membership or healthy food options to combat their emotional distress.

Well-being, on the other hand, invests in employee mental health, creating a culture of work that helps people thrive. The aim of well-being programs is to help employees express their concerns and feelings, educate them on the significance of emotional intelligence, and provide them with the right toolkit to manage their mental health in a way that works best for them. Companies that invest in mental health creates a supportive environment for employees that builds trust and improves their confidence, and in turn, drives overall positive outcomes.

For example, consider a case study of two companies; one that focuses solely on wellness initiatives, and another that invests in both wellness and well-being programs. Company A has excellent gym facilities, healthy food options, and a health insurance plan that covers medical expenses. In contrast, Company B provides its employees with a wellness coach, therapy sessions, and a flexible work schedule to manage their stress levels.

A study from Gallup found that companies that combine wellness and well-being reported 41% lower absenteeism, 21% higher productivity, and 87% higher employee engagement. These companies see their employees as valuable assets, needing investment and development, not just as cogs in a wheel or resources to be exploited.

In conclusion, while both wellness and well-being initiatives are essential for the overall employee experience, we need to redirect our attention to well-being programs. Companies that prioritize mental health initiatives create a work culture that values emotional intelligence, builds trust, and empathy, which, in turn, leads to happier, healthier, and more productive employees. In the end, if we want our teams to be productive and engaged, we need to shift our focus from physical health to mental health.