Why Workplace Well-being Should Be a Business Priority
Understanding the Importance of World Health
Health is more than just an individual’s physical condition, it is a global concern that has vast implications for society, economies, and businesses. Every year on April 7th, the World Health Organisation (WHO) leads the global observance of World Health Day. This annual event brings attention to pressing global health issues and reminds us of the importance of ensuring access to healthcare, wellness support, and sustainable environments for everyone. For businesses, it presents an opportunity to reflect on how the health and well-being of their workforce influences not only the lives of their employees but also the success and longevity of the company itself.
As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of fostering a healthier work environment, the concept of world health is expanding beyond the medical domain into the corporate world. No longer is health confined solely to the responsibility of healthcare providers. Employers now play a crucial role in creating workplaces that promote both physical and mental well-being. Companies that actively focus on the health of their workforce are better equipped to handle challenges, foster loyalty, and ensure long-term profitability.
World Health Day is an annual reminder of the undeniable connection between health and productivity. In this blog, we will explore the significance of world health and delve into how businesses can incorporate world health strategies into their operations to foster a supportive work environment. Additionally, we will highlight how Qualia Academy’s management training can assist leaders in creating inclusive, health-conscious, and high-performing workplaces.
What is World Health?
World health goes beyond just treating illnesses—it encompasses a broad range of factors that contribute to the well-being of populations globally. It is an intersection of physical health, mental health, and environmental safety. World health represents a collective effort to improve the conditions in which people live, work, and age. It involves a commitment to ensuring access to healthcare, creating inclusive environments, and fostering a culture of health in both the public and private sectors.
World health includes various interconnected aspects:
- Infectious Disease Prevention – Preventing the spread of diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases that can spread across borders and impact communities, economies, and workforces.
- Chronic Disease Management – Addressing the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes by promoting healthier lifestyles, better nutrition, and active living.
- Mental Health and Well-being – Providing support for individuals struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, which have become increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced work culture.
- Occupational Health and Safety – Ensuring that workplace environments are safe and conducive to employee well-being, preventing physical injuries, mental fatigue, and burnout.
- Health Equity and Accessibility – Ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare, resources, and a safe working environment.
In the context of the workplace, world health is about creating an environment where employees have the resources, policies, and support to thrive. It is not solely about the absence of illness but about ensuring that physical, mental, and emotional health are prioritised, enabling employees to perform at their best and maintain long-term job satisfaction.
Why World Health is Crucial for Businesses
In today’s competitive business world, organisations are recognising that investing in the health and well-being of their workforce is essential for sustaining productivity and growing their bottom line. Understanding the broader implications of world health can help companies realise that supporting employee health is an investment in their business’s success.
Link Between Health and Productivity
Numerous studies have shown that healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and loyal to their employers. Research from the World Economic Forum indicates that global health issues could cost the global economy £47 trillion by 2030 due to lost productivity and healthcare costs. This highlights the need for businesses to invest in health initiatives that can reduce absenteeism, improve efficiency, and support employee morale.
When employees are physically and mentally well, they are more focused, less distracted, and able to contribute positively to the company’s objectives. Conversely, employees who are unwell or stressed may struggle to meet expectations, leading to errors, burnout, or disengagement. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses with effective health strategies in place saw lower absenteeism rates and better business continuity than those that were unprepared.
In the long term, businesses that prioritise health initiatives benefit from higher retention rates, as employees are more likely to stay at companies where their well-being is supported. By fostering a culture of workplace wellness, businesses can create a more engaged workforce that is committed to achieving the company’s vision.
Mental Health and Employee Engagement
Mental health is one of the most significant contributors to workplace performance, yet it remains an area of concern that many businesses overlook. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy 1 trillion annually due to lost productivity. Employees struggling with mental health issues such as burnout, stress, or anxiety often face difficulty in maintaining focus, meeting deadlines, and engaging with their tasks, which impacts overall business performance.
Companies that recognise the importance of mental health and provide appropriate support systems—such as access to mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, and stress management training—see positive returns. Employees who feel supported and understood are more likely to remain productive, improve their performance, and contribute meaningfully to the workplace.
How to Ensure World Health in Your Workplace
Creating a health-conscious workplace requires a holistic approach—one that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of employees. In addition to fostering a culture of inclusivity and safety, businesses must implement policies and practices that prioritise employee well-being. These strategies help ensure that world health becomes a core value within the organisation, benefiting not just individual employees but the business as a whole.
First and foremost, businesses must implement health and safety measures that protect employees from workplace hazards. A safe work environment minimises the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses. This includes ensuring that workplaces are ergonomically designed, promoting healthy workstations, and providing necessary safety equipment for employees working in high-risk roles.
Equally important is the role of mental health support in the workplace. Businesses should create an open dialogue around mental health, reduce stigma, and offer mental health training to managers. Through training, managers can learn how to identify signs of burnout, anxiety, or depression and how to provide appropriate support. Additionally, offering Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), regular stress management workshops, and mental health days can give employees the tools they need to maintain their well-being.
Promoting work-life balance is essential in preventing burnout. Flexible working hours, the ability to work remotely, and policies that encourage taking time off for personal reasons all contribute to a healthier, happier workforce. Businesses that enable their employees to balance their personal and professional lives see higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels.
Creating an inclusive workplace is also a key element of world health. Businesses that embrace diversity and ensure equal opportunities for all employees create environments where employees feel valued, understood, and supported. A diverse workplace that respects cultural differences and supports underrepresented groups contributes to a positive environment that enhances employee well-being.
The Role of Qualia Academy’s Training in Workplace Health and Inclusion
Qualia Academy’s management training programme plays a pivotal role in helping businesses create healthier, more inclusive workplaces. The training programme equips managers with the tools and strategies needed to build an inclusive environment where employees feel supported in all aspects of their well-being. By focusing on diversity and inclusion, the programme helps businesses align their world health strategies with the values of fairness and respect.
Through Qualia Academy’s training, business leaders can develop the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of health, wellness, and diversity. The programme provides insights into how to implement effective health policies, develop inclusive practices, and address the unique needs of employees from different backgrounds and experiences.
This training is also designed to help leaders reduce the financial costs associated with poor employee retention, high absenteeism, and outsourcing diversity expertise. By teaching managers how to create a health-conscious, inclusive culture, Qualia Academy’s programme enhances organisational resilience, improves retention rates, and reduces the need for costly external diversity consultations.
Furthermore, businesses that invest in Qualia Academy’s management training foster better communication, stronger team cohesion, and a healthier work environment, all of which contribute to improved employee engagement, job satisfaction, and long-term business success.
