The global wellbeing crisis – a moral and monetary imperative

The World Health Organisation (Investing in Mental Health Pays Off report, 2016) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy around $1 trillion in lost productivity, while Gallup's report (State of the Global Workplace, 2023) suggests low employee engagement costs nearly $8.8 trillion. This highlights the significant people impact on businesses and the importance of employee wellbeing.

To tackle this challenge, we've utilised Kotter's 8-Stage Process for Leading Change to initiate positive wellbeing changes within your organisation. Here are some key strategies to help you minimise risk throughout this transformation:

One: Secure Board-level agreement that change is necessary. Acknowledge the risks and costs associated with poor employee wellbeing.

Two: Form a diverse steering group representing various departments (HR, Finance, etc.) to identify key wellbeing areas for improvement, using employee feedback to guide short, medium, and long-term goals.

Three: Develop a vision for change focused on employee wellbeing. While commercial benefits will follow, the core reason for change is people.

Four: Communicate the vision consistently through department heads, encouraging employee participation and providing safe spaces for feedback.

Five: Empower department heads to select and guide workplace champions, clearly defining their roles and responsibilities.

Six: Implement three quick wins for immediate, positive impact. Examples include free mindfulness app access, outdoor meetings, or structured volunteering time.

Seven: Progress to medium-term solutions like leadership development, policy changes, or targeted training.

Eight: Sustain the changes with ongoing initiatives such as (but not excluded to) a Wellbeing Warrior Program or regular nature-based activities.

Implementing these steps will improve workplace wellbeing, boost productivity, reduce sickness and enhance profitability. The Kotter framework offers a straightforward, well-organised, and readily implemented approach, guaranteeing that each step is executed in the correct order.

What’s next? Read the above again and start your change journey at ‘one’…

References:

World Health Organisation. (2016). Investing in Mental Health Pays Off. World Health Organisation

Gallup. (2023). State of the Global Workplace report. Gallup.