A holistic take on 'Wholebeing' and what it can do for employees

By Nebel Crowhurst, Chief Appreciation Officer, Reward Gateway | Edenred

November 21 2024 - Employee wellbeing has come a long way. Remember when a discounted gym membership or a bowl of free tangerines seemed like the ultimate office perk? Those days are behind us. Now, wellbeing goes way beyond just physical or mental health - it's about the whole person. That's where "wholebeing" comes in, a fresh approach that considers every aspect of an employee's life, inside and outside of work. So, what exactly does this look like, and why does it matter?

Beyond perks to people-centred wellbeing

In the not so distant past, employee wellbeing was all about the extras - think cinema vouchers or the occasional spin class. These were nice to have, but these perks were often seen as "extras" rather than essentials. Now, the wholebeing approach is changing the game; it's about supporting every part of an employee's life, from financial stability to genuine connections and a sense of purpose. Wholebeing recognises that employees are people first, with a whole spectrum of needs that go beyond just work. True wellbeing means looking at the big picture.

Take Unilever as an example. Yes, the company has introduced flexible working policies and financial support, but they've gone even further by offering financial wellbeing programmes. These programmes provide employees with tools to better manage their money, recognising that financial stress is a significant burden that doesn't end on pay day. This kind of support isn't just a perk but a core element of how Unilever empowers its people to thrive both at work and at home.

Financial stress is one of the top challenges employees face today, particularly as workers continue to drop out of the labour market. In fact, 35% of UK employees reported that their overall wellbeing has decreased in the last two years, further underscoring the critical need for a more integrated approach to employee wellbeing. But it's not just about money - employees are yearning for deeper, more meaningful connections at work, with data showing that 66% of employees in the UK feel disconnected at work, and nearly a quarter experience frequent loneliness?.

Clearly, traditional wellness programmes are no longer enough. Wholebeing goes beyond surface-level perks, tapping into these critical emotional needs and supporting employees both inside and outside of work. It focuses on creating meaningful connections, a sense of belonging, and an integrated approach to wellbeing that covers every aspect of an employee's life.

The ingredients for wholebeing success

So, what does wholebeing look like in action? It's about creating a balance that touches all areas of an employee's life. Here are the key ingredients that businesses can look to implement:

• Put recognition front and centre: Don't underestimate the power of appreciation. Celebrating employee achievements through team-building activities, regular check-ins, and employee recognition programmes helps bridge the gap. In fact, 54% of employees say it boosts their sense of connection and engagement. When employees feel seen, they feel valued.
• Rewards that aren't a fruit basket: No two employees are the same. Offer a variety of benefits that cater to the diverse needs of your workforce. From flexible hours to mental health support and financial wellbeing programmes, make sure you're covering all the bases.
• Going beyond pay day: Providing employees with tools and resources to manage their finances - like employee discounts, childcare vouchers, or financial advice - can help employees feel secure in their financial future.
• Purpose-driven work: People want to know that what they're doing matters. Help employees see the impact of their work on the broader business and the world around them. By aligning their day-to-day activities with your company's mission, you can enhance their sense of purpose and satisfaction.
• Flexibility and freedom: Flexibility in how, when, and where employees work is no longer a 'nice-to-have.' It's a must. Offering flexible work schedules, like 'half-day Fridays,' or allowing remote work, gives employees the breathing room they need to recharge and come back to work more motivated.

What's next for wholebeing?

As we move forward, wholebeing is emerging as more than a fluffy wellness trend - it's becoming a workplace essential. Today's employees aren't just looking for job security or basic benefits; they're seeking environments where they feel recognised, connected, and holistically supported. Last year, three out of four employees faced at least one mental health issue connected to their work, emphasising the need for wellbeing initiatives that go beyond physical health and tap into emotional and social support too.

By embracing a wholebeing approach, companies have the opportunity to create a culture where employees not only feel valued but also thrive. This is more than just good practice - it's smart business. A workforce that feels supported is happier, healthier, and more engaged, driving both individual and organisational success. As the nature of work continues to change, wholebeing can serve as the constant, grounding employees through change.

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