Weaving in Wellbeing at the Workplace

URVI ARADHYA elaborates on how work-life integration can drive employee commitment. Today, real estate is one of India´s largest industries and contributes a large percentage to the GDP. With the country poised on the cusp of takeoff, foreign investment and companies are making their way to Indian shores. The next few years are looking quite promising for real estate, IT and India Inc on the whole.Like any other industry, we too have our pressure points. Finding and retaining good talent is a sore spot in most sectors - and the same applies to real estate. So how do we drive employee satisfaction and commitment in an ever-changing industry? One needs to bear in mind that, at a certain point, employees base their decisions on how valued they feel and how they are treated at the workplace. Managing to strike a work-life balance is also a key consideration. Many firms reorganise functions to get higher productivity with fewer employees; however, this is a short-sighted move. While it may produce distinct results, in the long run, stress levels may soar and employees may struggle to maintain any semblance of a balanced life. Work-life integration While there is little we can do to change the industry we are in, there are many small steps that can drive employee loyalty in the long run. We are now moving on from work-life balance and looking more towards work-life integration. Owing to ease of access to email, people are constantly tuned in to work around the clock. The work may be stressful but when equipped with right tools to combat this, it will not be so cumbersome. This is a key reason why companies are now sitting up and paying attention to employee well-being. Wellness at work As workplace wellness programmes are becoming more widespread throughout India, the buzz is catching on. The drive for such initiatives stems from the fact that healthy employees tend to be happier and more productive. If a company is looking at things only short term, this would definitely be seen as an added expense. However, if you expect your employees to partner with you in a sustainable long journey of growth, you need to look at the bigger picture for them - and with them. Catering to employee well-being at work has multiple benefits. It builds a bond of care between the employer and employees, and shows concern that goes beyond just their work. By providing workers with these services, companies are improving well-being and job satisfaction as well as raising retention rates. The welfare of employees has a direct impact on the success of the company. Wellness programmes could range from a simple yoga class, providing cycles at work and organising an aerobics class to building a gym or even providing a healthy menu in the canteen. There are also many fitness aggregators, such as Fitternity, FitMeIn and more, popping-up to curate fitness programmes for large corporate companies who would like a third party to take it to the next level. Who truly benefits If you think that the benefits of this programme are only for employees, you may be a little off the mark. Yes, the primary focus is to keep employees happy and healthy, but what the company can gain from this is multi-fold. A stronger, healthier workplace means fewer sick days given out. There will also be a direct change in energy levels, which will have a positive impact on productivity. It also increases employee commitment as they will feel cared for and, in turn, take ownership of tasks they are in charge of - and of the company as well. About the author: Urvi Aradhya is Senior Vice President-Human Resources, K Raheja Corp. Driven by the belief that ´a great vision without great people is irrelevant´, she has been the torchbearer - instilling professionalism and inducting the best talent pool at the the company. To share your views, write in at feedback@ConstructionWorld.in