Employee wellbeing has evolved dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when offering gym memberships or fruit baskets was enough to satisfy employee needs. It’s now widely accepted that employee wellbeing can no longer be confined to physical or mental health alone, either. Enter wholebeing—a new chapter in the wellbeing journey that looks wholly at the entire person instead. So, why do we need it and what does that look like in practice?
From perks to purpose
In the past, employee wellbeing was often seen as an add-on, with cinema vouchers and occasional fitness classes treated as perks. While appreciated, these were secondary to an employee’s daily work experience. Fast forward to today, and wholebeing is catching on. It’s a holistic approach that supports every facet of an employee’s life—from mental and physical health but also financial security, connection, and a sense of purpose. Employees are people first and foremost, and wholebeing recognises that true wellbeing means addressing the full spectrum of their needs, not just their work-related challenges.
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 wholebeing formula
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.
Where is wholebeing heading?
Looking ahead, it’s clear that wholebeing is more than just a wellness trend—it’s a necessity. Employees today expect more from their workplace. They want to feel valued, connected, and supported in all aspects of their lives, not just within the confines of their job description. In fact, three quarters of employees reported experiencing at least one mental health issue related to their work in 2023. It’s clear there is a growing need for wellbeing strategies that go beyond the basics of physical health and addresses deeper emotional needs across the different areas of someone’s life.
By adopting a wholebeing approach, businesses can foster a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. It’s a win-win: employees feel supported, and businesses benefit from happier employees. While the world of work continues to change, wholebeing can remain a constant throughout the evolution of we work.
Nebel Crowhurst
As the Chief People Officer of Reward Gateway, Nebel is responsible for delivering a People Strategy that supports overall success and creates a workplace environment that enables people to thrive. Nebel's HR career has provided her with opportunities to work within a variety of organisations in various industries, throughout which, her passion for delivering great employee experiences has continued to grow.
