During a time when burnout and stress are becoming more common (and in some positions, the norm!), company-wide ‘Well-Being Days’ are becoming a higher priority for organizations as they recognize the critical role that employee health and wellness play in overall productivity and business success. For organizations that prioritize psychological safety, implementing these dedicated days for self-care does more than just give their employees a break from the grind.
Organizational culture has a profound influence on the way people behave and leaders are directly responsible for creating an environment of positivity and for employees and among team members.
According to a 2024 Employee Well-Being Trends Research report conducted by WebMD Health Services, “92% of workers say it is important for them to work for an organization that values emotional and psychological well-being."
Well-being days serve as more than just a pause in the pace of work; they are an essential strategy for fostering psychological safety within an organization. When employees are given time to rest and recharge, it sends a clear message that their mental health is valued, which can significantly enhance their sense of security at work. This sense of security is a foundation to psychological safety—a condition where individuals feel safe to express themselves, share ideas, and admit mistakes without fear of negative consequences.
Well-Being Days have been proven to:
Reduce Burnout: Burnout is a hot topic in most workplaces. By definition, burnout is unmanaged, compounded stress that has cumulated over time, leading to complete mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. While not a solution, Well-Being Days are outlets where employees can focus on grounding, decreasing stress and recentering themselves emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Boost Morale: In a study conducted by Hub International, the metric most improved through employee wellness initiatives was morale. When employees feel valued both personally and professionally, their job satisfaction increases alongside morale. Dedicating a day specifically attributed to well-being reinforces that every person in the organization has value and their happiness and health are a priority.
Improve Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health: Keeping all three of these human necessities in check are of equal importance when thinking of overall health. During a Well-Being Day, employees can improve their health through a variety of outlets, whether that be heading to the doctor for a check-up, spending some time outdoors to meditate, or exploring a new passion that might fall to the wayside during a typical week.
Strong psychological safety is at the core of high-performing workplaces. From enhancing employee engagement, inspiring creativity and innovation, and reducing turnover, the benefits of working in a psychologically safe environment are far-reaching. Well-being days contribute to this by creating a culture where employees feel that their well-being is a priority, which in turn, reinforces a psychologically safe environment. This combination of support and safety fosters a more productive workplace.
FlashPoint has implemented a Well-Being Day on Friday, August 23rd, 2024, to encourage employees to take some time off to rejuvenate, recharge and focus on self-care. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing overall well-being. Taking care of mental and physical health is essential, not only for personal well-being but also for your productivity and happiness at work.
When people feel meaningfully connected and psychologically safe at work, they bring their best ideas and effort to every challenge. Download our Psychological Safety Overview to learn more about this essential training and improve the culture at your organization: