In the corporate world, prioritizing employee wellbeing has become more of a trend than a genuine commitment. From mental health days to virtual counselling, companies seem to be taking steps towards supporting their staff. However, the reality often paints a different picture.
A recent survey revealed a concerning trend known as ‘wellbeing washing’, where companies feign concern for mental health without providing substantial benefits. This phenomenon mirrors greenwashing in environmental initiatives.
Wellbeing washing manifests in various forms. It could be hosting mental health seminars during lunch breaks or offering wellness programs without allocating time for employees to utilize them amidst escalating workloads.
Unfortunately, toxic workplaces manipulate the ‘mental health’ card to appear proactive while neglecting underlying issues Celebrating events like World Mental Health Day without addressing employees’ mental health needs is another classic example of wellbeing washing. This could include inadequate time off for mental health conditions, or unrealistic workloads.
Moreover, employees may struggle to access wellbeing initiatives due to poor communication or lack of clarity from employers.
In the midst of the current cost of living crisis, workplace stress exacerbates employees’ struggles. Wellbeing washing exacerbates this issue, leading to burnout and long-term health consequences.
Not only does wellbeing washing fail to improve employee wellbeing, but it also erodes trust and engagement. Employees feel undervalued and disengaged, resulting in lower productivity and higher turnover rates.
Remember, no job is worth sacrificing your health. If wellbeing washing persists despite efforts to address it, consider exploring opportunities in companies that prioritize genuine support for their employees. After all, your health and wellbeing should never be compromised for the sake of appearances.
Edison Smart prioritizes mental health, with company wellness days, mental health workshops and has a fully trained in house mental health first aider. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword for us, it is part of our core ethos. Show up, collaborate and be honest.
Show up – its half the battle sometimes. When you walk through a storm, there’s always a golden sky.
Collaborate – we are a team. Together we overcome challenges, never struggle in silence.
Be Honest – always the best policy. Tell us how you are feeling, how can we help and how can we together, get the best version of you.
If you’re interested in joining us on this journey, feel free to get in touch with Jade. We’re constantly seeking exceptional individuals like yourself to join our already outstanding team.
Jade Vincent
Head of Talent Acquisition at Edison Smart
Email: jade.vincent@edisonsmart.com
UK: +44 (0) 7702 552517
