The change brought about by various social, geopolitical, technological, environmental, and economic factors has reshaped the world order for everyone across the globe. In the new normal, employees are deliberately choosing themselves and working to reclaim their time, energy, identities, autonomy, and passions. There is a shift in power dynamics from organisations to people, from profit to mutual prosperity, and from ‘me’ to ‘we’. Today, employees want more—wellbeing to be embedded in their work experience, meaningful work along with personal purpose aligned to the organisation, flexibility of place and time to work from anywhere and anytime. And, they are not shy to switch organisations to get what they need. Therefore, amidst the great resignation, today, it is imperative for HR leaders to chart the way for great reclamation by building a happy workplace.
To further our collective vision of a happy workplace where conversations around mental health are not stigmatised, overall wellbeing is valued, diversity of thoughts and differences based on age, ethnicity, race, lifestyle, and social status are appreciated, and where everyone has equal access to health care, we must drive the shift from wellness of business to wellness before business.
Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety. It is more important now than ever to build a nurturing work culture and provide an experience to employees that is meaningful, flexible, empowering, collaborative, and inspiring. The happy worker-productive worker thesis suggests that workers who experience high levels of wellbeing and satisfaction perform well.
As HR leaders gear up to solve challenges that are unheard of, they must focus on seven imperatives to build a happy workplace.
