A recent survey conducted by Deloitte and Workplace Intelligence has shed light on a concerning discrepancy in perceptions between leaders and workers regarding employee well-being. The study reveals that while executives believe that their workforce's well-being has improved, a significant majority of employees feel the opposite.
According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of workers reported that their health either worsened or remained the same over the past year, contradicting the belief held by more than three-quarters of executives that well-being had improved. The findings highlight a disconnect between the C-suite and employees, with leaders seemingly detached from the day-to-day experiences and challenges faced by their workforce.
The survey also emphasized that work-related factors continue to hinder employee well-being. Factors such as heavy workloads, long hours, and stress were identified as major obstacles to improving emotional, physical, and financial wellness. Many workers struggle to take time off, with half of the respondents admitting to consistently utilizing all of their vacation time. The report underscores the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being, as 84% of respondents ranked it as a top priority, even above job advancement.
The survey highlights the critical role of managers in supporting employee well-being. It suggests that managers, who have daily interactions with employees, play a crucial role in improving their emotional and physical health. However, the report also indicates that managers face challenges in providing this support due to organizational obstacles and skill gaps.
To address these issues, organizations should empower managers and establish a culture of "human sustainability" that promotes employee growth, equitable compensation, and innovative practices such as implementing four-day workweeks.
The survey concludes by warning organizations about the potential consequences of neglecting employee well-being. If companies fail to prioritize workforce well-being and human sustainability, they may struggle to attract and retain talent that values these aspects.
Therefore, organizations must recognize the importance of employee well-being and take proactive measures to align their practices with employee needs.
Organizations must bridge this gap by acknowledging the challenges faced by their workforce, empowering managers to support employee well-being, and embracing practices that prioritize human sustainability. By doing so, organizations can foster a healthier, more engaged, and more competitive workforce in the long run.
