‘The Wellbeing Issue’

Wellbeing is a term that many HR practitioners have come to know intimately. As an important factor in driving better work engagement – which is widely viewed as a silver bullet for ailing productivity – wellbeing, be it mental, physical or financial, has crept up the people function’s agenda in recent years.

The ongoing pandemic has only re-emphasised its importance – but also its fragility, too. One recent study found that levels of employee burnout were on the rise as many individuals shifted to homeworking and found themselves working longer hours and balancing work-life commitments, whilst having to deal with the inarguable stress of living through a pandemic and the need to enact crisis business planning. And that’s for those with secure employment.

For those out of work or furloughed, a recent YouGov poll found that there was growing anxiety regards job security. Many fear that furlough is putting off eventual job loss, while growing numbers of employees fear making ends meet – creating a financial and mental burden. Not to mention, for those hunched over makeshift desks and sitting in one place for long days, there will likely be a physical impact too.

This is why we have decided to publish a whole edition on wellbeing. We hope that this issue provides practical tips on how to manage wellbeing through the crisis whilst also shining a light on why it is important. From BrewDog’s wellbeing scheme to tips from Santander on why wellbeing has to be holistic, HR Grapevine explores every aspect of this important topic.

Stay safe and, as ever, enjoy.

Daniel Cave - Head of Content