The Role of HR in Employee Wellbeing

Figure 01: Employee Wellbeing

Prioritizing employee well-being is now not just morally required but also strategically essential for businesses looking to succeed in the fast-paced and demanding work settings of today. Human resources (HR) departments are crucial in order to maintain the health, happiness, and general well-being of employees. 

The employee well-being is referred to as the whole status of each person's health, happiness, and contentment at work. It includes social, mental, and emotional well-being as well as physical health (Palma, 2023).

Important role HR plays in promoting employee well-being

Cultivating a supportive work culture

The creation and maintenance of a positive workplace culture where workers feel appreciated, respected, and supported is the responsibility of HR professionals. This entails developing a culture of open communication, supporting work-life balance, and cultivating a feeling of inclusion and belonging within the company (Davidson, 2015).

 

Providing Mental Health Support

A person's total well-being is greatly influenced by their mental health, and HR is essential in resolving mental health concerns in the workplace. HR specialists may give managers training on how to identify and assist staff members who could be experiencing mental health issues, as well as access to counseling services and mental health resources (Rajgopal, 2010).

 

Designing Comprehensive Wellness Programs

The HR department is at the forefront of creating and executing wellness programs that are customized to the particular requirements and preferences of the employees. These programs cover a wide range of activities, such as stress management seminars, nutrition instruction, fitness competitions, and mental health services (Marshall, 2020). By customizing these programs according to the specific interests there can be a good success in these programs.

 

Benefits & Insurance Management

HR specialists are essential to the administration of t and insurance management programs for employees. They have the authority to ensure that these plans include extensive coverage for wellness programs, preventive care, and strong mental health assistance. Organizations can effectively express their everlasting dedication to the holistic health of their employees by providing them with attractive and well-structured benefit packages (Barringer & Milkovich, 1996).

 

Promoting Work life Balance

Keeping work and personal life in balance is critical to mental wellbeing. HR departments may actively assist workers in finding this balance by providing significant paid time off, remote work opportunities, and flexible work schedules. Encouraging workers to take advantage of their vacation time and take time off from work when needed is essential for their mental well-being and job satisfaction (Rumage, 2023).  

Role of HR in Mental Wellbeing of Employees

Conclusion

In summary, it is impossible to overestimate the importance of HR in promoting employee wellbeing. HR professionals in organizations can create an environment where employees thrive and contribute to the success of the company by fostering a supportive work culture, offering mental health support, implementing work-life balance initiatives, offering wellness programs, advocating for employee benefits, creating a safe and healthy work environment, and tracking and evaluating well-being initiatives. Putting employee well-being in the first place is not only the right thing to do, but it's also a strategic investment in the organization's sustainability and long-term success. In the Sri Lankan context, these methods need to be implemented in organizations to get the best out of the employees. 

References

Barringer, M. W. & Milkovich, G. T., 1996. WILEY Online Library. [Online]
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Davidson, F., 2015. The Secrets of Creating Positive Work Cultures. In: The Work Lives of Teachers. s.l.:s.n.

Marshall, C., 2020. Analysis of a comprehensive wellness program's impact on job satisfaction in the workplace. International Hospitality Review, 2(34), pp. 221-241.

Palma, S., 2023. CloudApper. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cloudapper.ai/ai-tablet-for-hr/the-role-of-hr-in-employee-well-being/#:~:text=HR%20departments%20play%20a%20pivotal,job%20satisfaction%2C%20and%20mental%20health.
[Accessed 26 March 2024].

Rajgopal, T., 2010. Mental well-being at workplace. Mental well-being at workplace, 3(14), pp. 63-65.

Rumage, J., 2023. Builtin. [Online]
Available at: https://builtin.com/people-management/what-is-work-life-balance
[Accessed 28 March 2024].