Programmes aimed at improving and maintaining employee’s mental health and wellbeing have been shown to improve social relationships and reduce bullying in the workplace
In a new study, the University of East Anglia (UEA) have found that employees that were involved in health and wellbeing programmes (HWP’s) experienced a better relationship with co-workers. Along with that, employees who engaged in HWP’s also noted having experienced less workplace bullying over time and better their longer-term wellbeing and job satisfaction.
The new working environment
This three-year comprehensive study used data from 7,785 UK employees at 64 organisations by giving a cross-section view of workplace relations around the country the staff offers a key insight into how to reduce workplace bullying.
Organisations and companies are increasingly adopting HWP’s in the growth of understanding a more modern and wellbeing orientated way of working. By doing this, companies are placing a higher value on the wellbeing of their employees and in turn will cultivate loyal relationships between business and employees.
The UAE study brought to light that even when companies introduce HWP’s and began promoting wellbeing interventions in the organisations there were “unintended” positive consequences on social workplace relationships. According to the study, HWP’s have been shown to be associated with better workplace environments even when senior executives are not involved.
Lead author Dr Fida said: “While organisations may adopt these programmes primarily to target employee health and wellbeing directly, we found that employees’ social relationships also benefit.”
Investing in wellbeing
Dr Frida spoke on the importance of workplace relationships and promoting healthy connections in the workplace, stating that “when organisations invest in wellbeing, they communicate care for their employees, and this is reciprocated with more respectful interpersonal interactions.
These findings will prove key, as more workplaces are shifting back to more office time and others are finding a blend between remote working and in-person working. Improving workplace relationships through health and wellbeing programmes will halt the onset of workplace bullying and improve long-term mental health for employees.
