Introduction
As Senior Wellbeing Consultant, I work with many customers who are looking to really understand measurement best practice around wellbeing and mental health. Many organizations, especially our customers, realize that prioritizing the mental health of their employees fosters a positive work culture, drives productivity and ultimately impacts the bottom line.
For many companies, the measurement of whether their employees are doing well is around attrition or sick leave, but with the rise in presenteeism, people are looking for better indicators of employee mental health.
The World Economic Forum recently released a report advising how organizations can effectively measure and address mental health issues in the workplace.
Understanding the Landscape
The report begins by highlighting the prevalence of mental health disorders globally, with one out of every two individuals expected to develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Such conditions not only impact individual wellbeing but also pose challenges to organizational productivity and economic growth. With mental health consistently ranking among the top 10 causes of years lived with disability, employers are seen as critical to helping develop proactive measures to address these issues.
The Importance of Measurement
One of the fundamental aspects emphasized in the report is the significance of measurement in assessing the effectiveness of interventions. While it’s often said that “what gets measured gets managed,” the report stresses the need for meaningful measurements that go beyond simple data collection. Employers are urged to invest in evidence-based approaches and collaborate with stakeholders to establish clear baselines and define desired outcomes.
Choosing the Right Metrics
The report cautions against relying solely on traditional metrics such as completed risk assessments or healthcare claims. Instead, it advocates for a holistic approach that considers the complex relationship between various factors affecting mental health and wellbeing. By focusing on reducing the prevalence of common mental health conditions that impact productivity and are influenced by work, organizations can tailor interventions more effectively.
Integrated Measurement Approaches
The report talks about the importance of integrated measurement approaches. By adopting tools that assess subjective wellbeing and reflect diverse drivers of individual wellbeing, organizations gain valuable insights into their work culture and can prioritize interventions accordingly. For instance, the wellbeing index developed by researchers at the University of Oxford correlates employee wellbeing with company performance, providing a comprehensive understanding of the link between employee wellbeing and organizational success.
Aligning with Global Standards
Furthermore, the report highlights the alignment of measurement initiatives with international standards such as the ISO 45003, the global standard for psychological health and safety at work. By adhering to these standards, organizations can ensure that their efforts are in line with established guidelines and best practices.
The Role of ESG and Government Initiatives
Governments and investment firms are also playing a significant role in driving transparency and accountability regarding mental health and wellbeing. Initiatives such as the National Standards for Workplace Psychological Health and Safety in Canada and the integration of wellbeing measures into ESG indices underscore the growing importance of mental health in the broader context of organizational sustainability.
Conclusion
Governments and investment firms are also playing a significant role in driving transparency and accountability regarding mental health and wellbeing. Initiatives such as the National Standards for Workplace Psychological Health and Safety in Canada and the integration of wellbeing measures into ESG indices underscore the growing importance of mental health in the broader context of organizational sustainability.
In conclusion, the report underscores the importance of measuring the impact of mental health interventions in the workplace. By investing in evidence-based tools and aligning with global standards, organizations can not only enhance employee wellbeing but also drive sustainable business success. As mental health issues continue to gain prominence, employers must prioritize effective measurement and intervention strategies to create positive workplace cultures and foster employee resilience.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let us remember that prioritizing mental health is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic business decision. By investing in the wellbeing of their employees, organizations lay the foundation for long-term success and prosperity.
Our Research & Development team that I lead in Zevo is currently working on a formal classification for measurement of Content Moderator wellbeing, which we hope to present at TrustCon 2024.
The World Economic Forum report is available here.
