How links between culture, DEI and wellbeing are reshaping health and wellbeing strategies
Creating a workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported and engaged is not only essential for business success, but it also fosters diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and employee wellbeing.
If a company has a good culture where employees feel valued and recognised, they are more likely to promote employee wellbeing initiatives and be inclusive.
Workplace cultures can be different. The culture of a traditional manufacturing firm compared with a social media company will be quite different. However, the factors needed to underpin a good culture will be consistent.
For example, if employees feel supported, free to be themselves and able to speak out, a business is doing an excellent job. In positive environments employees will thrive, while toxic workplaces (too much work, micromanaging, little to no support etc) are likely to be characterised by high absenteeism, poor retention and a lack of engagement.
There is growing recognition that a good culture is driven by integrating DEI goals with health and wellbeing. It’s impossible to have one without the other, especially as younger generations coming into the workplace are increasingly focused on wellbeing and inclusivity.
Successful companies are striving to enhance health and wellbeing though the benefits they offer, and many are aligning corporate culture with DEI efforts and wellbeing goals.
A research report Lockton published in partnership with REBA showed that fairness, inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing are now key drivers for benefits and they also need to align with ESG objectives and values, to promote a coherent corporate image that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
It seems that DEI, employee engagement, benefits, corporate social responsibility (CSR), reward and recognition are now inextricably linked, and businesses must ensure they all work together to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Steps to align culture, wellbeing and DEI
Often in a business multiple individuals are responsible for DEI, CSR, health and wellbeing and a major challenge can be bringing all factors together. Therefore, ensuring collaboration across the business to align plans is the first recommended step.
Listening to employees to discover what they value most is also important and this can be done easily through regular employee surveys.
Feedback can also be gathered via focus groups, employee committees as well as from the general buzz around the office. Acting on survey results and making meaningful changes, shows a company is listening.
Reward and recognition are essential too. Fostering a culture of recognition for both exceptional and everyday contributions is one way to do this. While celebrating big sales wins are great, recognising everyday successes and people going the extra mile is part of having a great culture.
Those in roles that are not always going to attract the attention of senior management deserve to see their contribution recognised. Putting an initiative in place to do this will encourage everyone to work hard and be the best they can be.
Embedding DEI initiatives within the broader wellbeing framework is a strategic move that will strengthen the connection between DEI and employee wellbeing and maximises their impact.
One effective way to do this is to run a continuous programme of events throughout the year such as Black History month in October and Sustainability month in February.
This should also include key wellbeing dates/events (such as World Menopause Day). Working with their employee benefit providers and leveraging their support in achieving their broader is something employers should consider.
To conclude
A good workplace culture is vital for all businesses and those that have this are more likely to look after their staff and support wellbeing and DEI.
Understanding employees and knowing what is important to them can help tailor health and wellbeing strategies that meet their needs.
In today’s dynamic business landscape, the convergence of wellbeing, DEI, culture and engagement is the driving force behind business success and the foundation of a thriving and fulfilling work environment.
Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing works with businesses of all sizes to help them develop a health and wellbeing strategy that balances the needs of the business, its people and budget. For more information, click here.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Howden Employee Benefits
Howden provides insurance broking, risk management and claims consulting services, globally. We work with clients of all sizes to provide dedicated employee benefits & wellbeing consultancy.
