Why Workplace Wellbeing Deserves Its Own Position: Understanding the Importance of Separating Wellbeing from Safety in the Workplace

The modern workplace is forever changing, from the Industrial Revolution and the mechanisation of work to the Women's Rights Movement and increased globalisation. Change is constant, but there has never been a time in history to match the speed of change such as that which took place in the last two years driven by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced many businesses to adopt flexible working arrangements; working from home was normalised on a previously unseen scale. Workplaces that had resisted working from home models had no choice but to evolve, and systems that had been previously "too hard" to adopt were in place almost overnight. Businesses began to reduce their office space and hired employees from other locations as their proximity to a hub was no longer relevant. 

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic was devastating for many reasons, it was also the driver for positive change in the workplace wellbeing world. Suddenly employees began to put a greater focus on their health and wellbeing. They demanded greater flexibility and wellbeing support, and workplaces responded quickly, many creating "wellbeing" roles. It is here that my disappointment begins. Nearly every organisation has missed the mark in this process. 

Why have they failed on this? I've seen hundreds of these wellbeing roles listed on LinkedIn and Seek in the past couple of years, and whilst the rise of wellbeing roles is positive, they are nothing more than a title. Take this challenge yourself, and read some of the wellbeing roles in the job market. Now find the part of the role that mentions wellbeing. Generally, it is one dot point far down that is vague and mostly buried under unrelated requirements. Often, it's workplace safety, WHS or return to work. Sometimes it is HR or similar. These roles are no less essential; however, they are roles in their own right and bundling them together does a disservice to both.

Wellbeing is not workplace safety, and it's not Return To Work or HR. A wellbeing person's primary role should be just that, wellbeing. Not an add-on to an equally important role. Many workplaces use the terms wellbeing and safety interchangeably; however, they are two distinct areas of focus that require different approaches and strategies to promote a healthy and productive workplace. 

So what is the difference? Workplace safety refers to employees' physical safety while at work. Safety includes providing protective gear, ensuring safe working conditions, and implementing protocols for emergencies and accidents. Workplace safety is a fundamental requirement for any business, and failure to prioritise it can lead to severe consequences for employees and the organisation.

Workplace wellbeing is a broader concept that encompasses employees' physical, mental, and emotional health. It includes factors such as job satisfaction, purpose, social connectedness, work-life balance, and access to resources and support for overall wellbeing. Workplace wellbeing is a crucial component of a successful business, as it increases employee engagement, reduces turnover, reduces absenteeism, reduces presenteeism and improves productivity. 

While safety and wellbeing are distinct concepts, they are interconnected. Both must be a priority for any organisation. They require different training and skills and should be separate roles. Prioritising workplace wellbeing can positively impact workplace safety by reducing stress and increasing employee awareness and vigilance. Likewise, safety helps to support wellbeing, as an unsafe workplace does not support health and wellbeing. 

HR sits as a different role again, a part whose primary function should be on recruitment, performance, training and compliance with workplace policies. Once again, the impact of HR will be felt in wellbeing as these policies and decisions may directly impact components of wellbeing. A good wellbeing program also supports HR through training, reduced turnover and increased engagement.

Ultimately, the key to a successful workplace is excellent professionals working on their focus areas but in synergy with each other. By promoting workplace safety and wellbeing supported by HR and leadership, businesses can create a safe and supportive environment that fosters employee engagement, productivity, and success.