Employing wellbeing strategies in the workplace will backfire if the workforce believe the aim is to get more work out of them Simplyhealth has said.
The medical insurer has released a white paper discussing the importance of culture, leadership and communication when developing wellbeing strategies at work and offers an insight about balancing the three.
Author Cary Cooper, director of well being specialists Robertson Cooper and professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University, said: "Although creating a motivated, flexible and committed workforce may be the crucial driver for employers, they should also understand the moral aspect to improving employees' wellbeing.
"Employees will respond negatively to wellbeing initiatives if they believe they are merely being implemented to get them to work harder.
"That is why harnessing the right culture within a workplace is important, so there is an environment where employee wellbeing can flourish.
"Leadership is key to developing this culture and its success relies upon the buy in and cooperation of all leaders from the Board down."
Simplyhealth also announced three future topics: Good health is good business - Return on Investment; Combining Employee Benefits Packages - making efficiencies; Self funded health plans and tax efficient wellbeing.
Jack Briggs, sales and marketing director said: "Creating a wellbeing strategy is of paramount importance to any business whether it employs five staff or 5,000.
"Profitability and good business performance come from engaged employees, and the more engaged they are, the more likely they are to surpass what is required of them."
To view a full copy of the first white paper: www.simplyhealth.co.uk/business.
