Wellbeing at Work 2025 – Create a culture where people want to succeed

Statistics send a worrying message about well-being at work. What is the situation in your company?

Have you ever heard the following statement: "We're doing well. We have occupational health, cultural and sports benefits." ? Maybe you've even said it yourself. But at the same time, statistics tell something completely different. Sick leave, especially mental health leave, is on the rise. Many organizations talk about well-being, but do they really invest in it?

When you look at the data, questions begin to arise: how many companies are actually investing in the well-being of their employees – and what does it achieve?

How are the employees really doing?

Another view is often heard: "They're not really sick, they just don't want to work." This idea challenges not only employees but also doctors, whose professional judgment is questioned. But let's consider another perspective for a moment: Is the problem really "unwillingness" or the underlying corporate culture that doesn't support the employee enough?

Pekka Tölli's book "I See You" and Panu Luukka's "Future-ready Organization" highlight the importance of encounters, and this is important in the role of a supervisor. Corporate culture is not just values hung on the walls, but an active environment where employees feel valued and can trust others. But do you know how your own employees are doing? What motivates them? Where do they want to develop?

Well-being of employees drives the company's results

Measuring a company's success is important, and financial indicators tell a lot. But do you know how many productive days your employees are working? How much of their working time is spent on sick leave and how much does this cost the company? The average cost of sick leave is around 370 euros per day (EC) – but what about the costs of project delays, reduced customer satisfaction and potential replacement arrangements?

A healthy and motivated employee brings much more: they work carefully, help others and go above and beyond their own work when necessary. All of this is reflected not only in the company's results, but also in its culture and reputation.

Do you dare to ask for help?

What about you as a leader or supervisor? Do you dare to ask for help if things are not going well? Or do you hide problems and hope they will go away on their own? The job of a leader is not to know everything, but to create an environment where challenges are solved together and development is continuous.

Do you have a network or experts around you who can support you? Often, even small external insights can help you spot pain points that are easily overlooked within the company. Asking for help is not weakness – it is courage that can make your company's future stronger.

Act now – better too fast than too slow

Well-being and the quality of work will not improve by waiting. The role of the supervisor is crucial. If something is bothering you, address it immediately. Talk, be humane and set an example yourself. Humanity and trust build commitment, which in turn increases courage and motivation throughout the organization.

Remember: when things are left unaddressed, they get complicated. Problems grow and take more and more time and resources to solve.

Ask yourself:

• Do you know what your employees really think about their work and their work community?

• Is your company culture such that employees want to give their best?

• Do you dare to ask for help and support if you need it?

As a leader, you can make a difference. Small actions can change direction – and they are where the biggest change begins.

Take a step towards better workplace well-being! The statistics speak for themselves – employee well-being doesn't improve on its own. Now is the time to act and build a culture that supports both individual and company success.

👩💼 Work Well-Being Advance training provides HR professionals with practical tools and new perspectives on promoting well-being at work. This is your opportunity to develop your organization's practices and strengthen the future of your company!

👉 More information and registration

Check out the training here!

Don't miss out on this opportunity – register today and be part of creating change! 🌟

Author: Mirka Inervo January 10, 2025