How L&D can positively impact wellbeing

Our straw poll amongst almost 300 attendees at the CIPD conference in November indicated that the current top work priority for HR professionals is wellbeing. It seems that a rapidly growing awareness of the need for greater openness around mental health issues has brought wellbeing sharply into focus for employers. That and the compelling amount of research and data that underlines the negative impact on productivity of sickness, absence and disengagement.

Of course Wellbeing is a broad spectrum of aspects, including health – physical, mental and emotional, life balance, happiness and fulfilment, and it’s not always clear to employers which actions can make a difference for their people and ultimately their productivity.

In today’s business reality fewer people are doing more work. These days we find ourselves challenged with achieving more but with fewer resources and less time. Our employers are realising that our productivity can only be sustained if they take more care of our wellbeing. Initiatives can make a short or long-term difference to supporting healthy lifestyle, but a more sustainable effect can come from the skilful development of our leaders and our team members.

3 Ways that people development can enable stronger wellbeing