Imagine starting your day feeling excited to go to work because your company truly cares about you. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
But here’s the hard truth: these days, fewer employees actually feel that way. In fact, the number of people who feel valued at work has dropped significantly since the early days of the pandemic. That’s a pretty big drop.
Why does this matter?
Because when people feel supported and appreciated, it’s not just about boosting their mood — they’re more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stick around long-term. A positive, caring workplace isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s the secret ingredient for a team that thrives and pushes your business forward.
So, what’s going wrong? Why are so many employees feeling disconnected? In this article, we’ll break down what’s behind this shift, how it’s impacting the workplace, and, most importantly, what we can do to turn things around.
What's Causing the Drop in Employee Well-being?
Back to "Normal" Isn’t Working
During the pandemic, flexible work and a focus on well-being became the top priority. Now that we’re back to "normal," these supportive practices are disappearing. This shift makes employees feel less valued and more stressed.
Burnout is a Big Problem
Burnout isn’t just tiredness — it’s a serious issue. Constant work without enough breaks can make people feel overwhelmed. When employees are burned out, it’s hard for them to stay motivated. They might feel like the company doesn’t care about their well-being, which only adds to their stress.
Support is Fading
During the pandemic, companies offered mental health resources, flexible work options, and more communication. These made employees feel supported. But now, as these supports fade, employees might feel like they’re on their own again. This can lead to lower morale and a sense that the company doesn’t truly care.
By understanding these factors, organizations can take steps to address them, showing employees that their well-being is still a top priority.
The Case for Caring: What Research Tells Us
According to the Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report, in 2023, only 34% of employees felt like they were truly thriving in their lives. That’s actually a slight drop from 2022, ending five years of steady improvement. And guess who felt it the most? Younger workers. Well-being for employees under 35 dropped from 35% to 31%, while those over 35 actually saw a small boost— from 35% to 36%.
The report also highlights the significant impact that genuine care for employee well-being can have:
- Employees who strongly agree their organization cares about their overall well-being are 52% less likely to be watching for or actively seeking a new job.
- They are 6.3 times more likely to strongly agree that they would recommend their organization as a great place to work.
- They are 33% more likely to be thriving in life.
- They are 4.4 times more likely to be engaged at work.
- They are 75% less likely to feel burned out at work very often or always.
10 Real Ways Show You Care About Employee Well-Being
Building a healthy workplace isn’t just about offering free snacks or organizing fun activities (though those are awesome, too!). What really counts is how your employees feel — do they feel valued, respected, and empowered? Do they know their well-being is a top priority? If you’re nodding along, then you’re on the right track.
Here are ten easy, real ways to show your team you’re all in when it comes to their happiness and health:
1. Respect
Every employee should feel respected at work. Respect means listening, valuing opinions, and treating everyone kindly. This sense of respect is foundational to employee wellness because it helps create a safe space where employees can be themselves, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.
2. Kindness
Kindness goes a long way in the workplace. A kind word or a simple act of understanding can brighten someone’s day and make them feel valued. When kindness is part of a company’s culture, it directly supports emotional wellness, leading to happier and more fulfilled employees.
3. A Positive Work Culture
A positive work culture isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. It transforms not only the workplace but also the individuals within it. A wellness program thrives in a positive culture where employees feel supported in their physical, mental, and emotional health. This culture encourages participation in wellness initiatives, making them more effective.
4. Flexibility & Autonomy
Employees should have the flexibility to manage their work in a way that suits them best. This flexibility, combined with autonomy, empowers employees to take control of their work. Whether it’s flexible working hours, the ability to work remotely, or simply having control over their workload, this flexibility is essential to maintaining balance.
5. Room to Make Mistakes
Mistakes are a natural part of learning. Employees should feel safe taking risks and making mistakes without fear of harsh criticism. This environment of psychological safety is crucial for mental wellness, allowing employees to learn and grow without the added stress of perfectionism.
6. Great Compensation & Benefits
Compensation and benefits should reflect the hard work employees put in. Fair pay, health benefits, and wellness perks like gym memberships or mental health support show that the organization values its employees. These benefits are essential components of a comprehensive employee wellness program, ensuring that employees feel cared for in all aspects of their lives.
7. Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and personal life is crucial for maintaining well-being. A healthy workplace respects this balance, ensuring employees have time to recharge and enjoy their personal lives. A successful wellness program will prioritize work-life balance, offering resources and initiatives that help employees manage stress and avoid burnout.
8. Appreciation & Recognition
Everyone wants to feel appreciated for their efforts. Regular recognition and appreciation boost morale and motivate employees to do their best. Recognizing and rewarding participation in wellness programs can further encourage employees to engage in healthy behaviors.
9. Ample Growth Opportunities
Employees should have opportunities to learn, grow, and advance. Providing training, mentorship, and clear career paths not only helps employees feel invested but also supports their mental and professional well-being. Career development opportunities are a valuable part of a holistic wellness program, as they contribute to overall life satisfaction.
10. A Sense of Belonging & Purpose
Finally, every employee deserves to feel like they belong and that their work has a purpose. A strong sense of belonging fosters teamwork, while a clear purpose helps employees stay motivated and engaged. Wellness programs emphasizing social connections and community-building can help employees feel more connected to their work and colleagues.
Leadership’s Role in Creating a Well-Being Culture
Here’s the deal: if you want a positive company culture, you’ve got to take care of your people. It’s that simple. When employees feel supported, they’re more engaged, motivated, and ready to give their best. Ignore their needs, though, and you’ll start seeing burnout, low morale, and a whole lot of disengagement. Not great, right?
But here’s the good news — you can change that! Start by offering flexible work options, beefing up mental health resources, or just being more open and transparent in your communication. These small steps go a long way toward building trust and creating a place where people feel valued.
Prioritizing well-being isn’t just a feel-good move — it’s smart business. When you invest in your team’s health and happiness, you’re investing in your company's long-term success. 
