Boosting Employee Wellbeing with Real-Time Feedback Technology** The relationship between work and mental health is multifaceted. A safe, supportive, and inclusive work environment can enhance employee wellbeing, while unmanageable workloads and unsupportive workplaces can have a detrimental effect. The economic implications of neglecting employee mental health are substantial, with depression and anxiety estimated to cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
In an effort to prioritize employee wellbeing, some companies are turning to technology for support. Nature’s Way Foods, a UK-based fresh food manufacturer, has implemented real-time feedback terminals from HappyOrNot across its five UK sites, employing around 1,300 people. The terminals, installed in high-traffic areas such as canteens… allow employees to provide instant feedback on their experiences.
The goal of this initiative was to gather more timely insights into colleague sentiment, moving beyond traditional annual engagement surveys. The feedback is collected and shared weekly, reviewed by the People Experience team, “and used to inform reports shared across the business.” A summary of the feedback is also presented to the leadership and executive teams as a key indicator of colleague satisfaction.
When action is required, “requests are sent to the Colleague Voice Forum.”.. also known as the Action Communications Team (ACT), which ← →
Read more: See here
Analyst Insights: Nature’s Way Foods & the Rise of Proactive Employee Wellbeing Measurement Nature’s Way Foods’ adoption of HappyOrNot terminals presents a compelling, albeit early, case study in proactive employee wellbeing measurement. While the $1 trillion annual cost associated with mental health challenges underscores the urgency for intervention, traditional engagement surveys often lack the responsiveness needed to address issues as they arise.
This real-time feedback approach offers a significant improvement, providing leadership with a continuous pulse on employee sentiment. However… the success of this strategy hinges on the effectiveness of the “Colleague Voice Forum” (ACT). Simply collecting data isn’t sufficient; demonstrable action based on that feedback is critical to building trust and demonstrating genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.
We’d recommend a deeper dive into the ACT’s operational efficiency – how quickly issues are addressed, and how transparently the results of those actions are communicated back to the workforce. Further, while the initial rollout appears successful, “scalability and potential for feedback fatigue should be monitored as the program matures.” Overall, “this represents a positive trend toward data-driven employee wellbeing initiatives.”.. and other organizations should carefully evaluate similar approaches.
Employee mental health.
Addressing the Silent Crisis: Prioritizing Employee Mental Health in a Demanding World** The escalating pressures of modern work — are undeniably impacting employee mental health, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual wellbeing. While conversations surrounding mental health are becoming increasingly destigmatized, tangible action within organizations — a critical need.
The consequences of neglecting employee mental health are profound, impacting productivity, retention, and overall organizational performance. A proactive, supportive workplace culture isn’t merely a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a strategic imperative for long-term success. Companies are beginning to explore diverse strategies, from enhanced benefits packages and flexible work arrangements to mental health training for managers and confidential support resources.
However… a truly impactful approach requires a fundamental shift in mindset – one that prioritizes psychological safety, “fosters open communication,” “and actively promotes a culture of wellbeing at all levels.” The challenge lies not just in providing resources, but in creating an environment where employees feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment or career repercussions.
Ultimately… investing in employee mental health is an investment in the future of the workforce and the resilience of the organizations they support. Information for this article was obtained from “diginomica”.
• • • •
Work presents a complex relationship with mental health. On one hand, it can positively impact employee wellbeing when the working environment feels safe, supportive, inclusive, and workloads remain manageable. On the other hand, it can actively harm mental health when these conditions are absent. An estimated 12 billion working days are lost each year to depression and anxiety – although not all of it is work-induced. Nonetheless, these conditions cost the global economy about $1 trillion per annum in reduced productivity, according to the World Health Organization .
Therefore, if for no other reason, it makes sense for employers to look after the health and wellbeing of their workforce – and tech in myriad different forms can be a useful tool to help.
