Focus on wellbeing up amid declining productivity among employees
Nearly three in four HR leaders in Australia believe that organisations need to prioritise mental wellbeing this year as employees focus more on enhancing work experience.
A survey by Reward Gateway among 500 HR leaders found that they are aligned in the belief that wellbeing should be a greater priority this year.
In fact, 73% said their employers need to [prioritise] mental wellbeing, while more than half also said focus should be on financial (59%) and physical (55%) wellbeing.
The share of HR leaders who believe mental wellbeing should be a priority saw a major jump from the 68% a year ago, according to the report.
"This shift can be attributed to several factors, including rising financial pressures, and a growing societal focus on mental health," the report read.
The findings come as the report also discovered that 58% of employees have considered leaving their current job in the last six months amid burnout.
According to the report, a third of employees feel frequently burnt out (34%) and overwhelmed (34%), leading to only 47% of employees saying they feel frequently productive.
These feelings are also making employees put more premium on improving their personal work experience instead of just pay.
"Employees are prioritising what directly enhances their personal work experience – factors such as fair pay and benefits, a manageable workload that supports work-life balance, and a culture of empathy and recognition," the report read.
"While financial security remains crucial, it is no longer enough on its own; employees want workplaces that actively support their overall wellbeing and personal fulfilment."
Kylie Green, Managing Director, APAC at Reward Gateway, advised that it will be essential to prioritise employee wellbeing and create environments that foster collaboration and connection.
"Intentional interactions and meaningful recognition can significantly impact team happiness and productivity," Green said in a stateme
