New research shows wellbeing programs increase productivity by 25%

Australia’s largest ever review of employee wellbeing programs has found that investing in employees’ wellbeing provides a direct cost benefit back to mining and resources employers of almost $16,500 annually per employee. The data also found that absenteeism can be slashed by an average of one third  and workplace productivity increases by almost one quarter.

The mining and resources industry data comes from a review with a sample size of over 4,700 individuals across a range of industries, compiled by Davidson Trahaire Corpsych on an annual basis (DTC). This is the first time the results have been released publicly.

As the focus on the importance of employees’ physical and mental health in relation to their work continues to grow, the research measures and quantifies the return on investment from employee assistance programs (EAPs). The study reviewed individuals’ functioning and wellbeing prior to and following participation in the EAP.

“We all know that looking after employees is the right thing to do for the health of your people, but now we know it’s also the right thing for the financial strength of your business”, Michele Grow, CEO of DTC, commented.

“Far from being just a ‘tick-the-box’ exercise, this data shows that taking an active role in supporting your staff can reap significant dividends for the business.”

“Employees can be impacted by any number of stressors affecting both their personal and work functioning, which, in turn, can have a negative impact on an organisation’s productivity and profitability”, Ms. Grow said.

“Investing in the health and wellbeing of employees through interventions such as employee assistance programs can help ensuring they are operating are at optimum levels, thereby benefiting the business’s bottom line.”

Of the measures assessed in the mining and resources industry, emotional wellbeing showed the greatest improvement following the EAP, with an 85 per cent improvement rate. This was followed by morale and motivation in the workplace, with an improvement rate of 44 per cent.