Part two of our workplace health evaluation series looks deeper into what business leaders should target in their own organisations.
Evaluating workplace health is essential for fostering employee well-being and productivity.
In part two of our expert series on workplace health evaluation, we explore strategies leaders use to cultivate positive work cultures. From monitoring engagement and satisfaction to implementing inclusive leadership practices, these approaches can create thriving environments where employees feel valued and motivated to excel.
Stay tuned for part three, and be sure to check out part one here.
Javier Bara
Chief Executive Officer: Intrinsic Health Group
A workplace essence is reflected in its people (synergy and wellbeing), therefore evaluating the health of a workplace environment is essential. At Intrinsic Health Group, we start by understanding how connected and inspired our employees feel. Engagement and satisfaction surveys are not just tools; they are conversations ensuring our team feels valued and understood.
When employees are engaged, they show up in both body and spirit. Indicating a thriving environment. We also monitor absenteeism and turnover. Low rates suggest a supportive atmosphere, while frequent absences or departures signal deeper issues.
Opportunities for growth are vital. A healthy workplace challenges and supports employee development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Interpersonal relationships and communication are the heartbeat of our culture, with trust and respect in daily interaction being crucial.
Lastly, the physical environment matters. A well-designed space fosters productivity and well-being.
Now whilst we do not have all these aspects perfect all the time, we strive to ensure we embody these points in everyday work, to ensure Intrinsic Health Group is a place where every individual can thrive. Consider how your workspace affects your performance and comfort.
Ask yourself: Is your workplace a place where people can truly flourish?
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Mitch Bruger
Chief Marketing Officer: The Advanced Group
Evaluating the overall health of a workplace environment involves considering various factors that contribute to the well-being and productivity of employees who, of course, govern the productive output of the organisation.
One of the primary indicators is the employee turnover rate; a high turnover rate may indicate dissatisfaction among employees or problems within the workplace environment. Even more subtle signs like absences can signal issues such as low morale, high stress levels, or health problems among employees. One of the significant challenges facing the senior management team is tracking these often more ethereal and intangible indicators.
If culture and employees’ satisfaction levels seem less than ideal, an organisation is probably well served to initially evaluate the leadership style of its managers and supervisors. A supportive and inclusive leadership approach will do more to foster a positive workplace culture than many other more hollow incentives or weak reward initiatives combined.
Evaluating (or perhaps re-evaluating) how performance is measured and recognised within the organisation is step number one; appropriate recognition of achievements can then dramatically boost morale and motivation.
By assessing these indicators, organisations can identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to create a healthier and more productive workplace environment.
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Laureen Barnard
Consultant and Director: LiberateEd Consulting
Observation is arguably the most powerful tool in a leader’s toolkit – but do we know what we’re observing?
Think of a workplace as an ecosystem, a specially “prepared environment”. This concept applies not just to environments for organic life to thrive, or a Montessori classroom, but also to organisations and the adult organisms within. Balance, diversity, and efficient energy flow promote health and resilience within it.
Energy and motivations are as varied as the humans doing the work. What do they need? How do they interact? Understanding enables guidance. The right environment encourages contribution and growth, spurring deeper intrinsic commitment that, symbiotically, serves an organisation; it becomes a mutual exchange.
Balance must be inherent – autonomy within realistic limits, with equitable responsibility, supports intrinsic motivation and investment in the work. A culture of respect and access to timely, effective feedback mechanisms enables reciprocity and evolution. An ecosystem in homeostasis requires feedback for adaptation, which only happens in an interdependent environment of change.
Humans naturally seek purpose and belonging. Being part of an inclusive and well-equipped community, free from obstacles, conveys the message, “You and your work here are valued.”
Metrics must be qualitative – you don’t fatten a pig by measuring it. Observe. Respond. Retreat…repeat.
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