A Finnish workplace wellness expert argues that many common strategies employed to improve employee well-being are ineffective and suggests that focus should be on facilitating work processes instead.
Eila Roosin, a specialized physician in occupational health, stresses that the methods often used to enhance workplace well-being are frequently misguided. In an interview with Yle, she highlighted that many organizations believe that improving individuals will directly enhance their work capacity and, consequently, the organization’s performance, describing this belief as a significant misunderstanding. Roos currently serves at the Aava Medical Center and conducts research at the University of Helsinki, where her expertise sheds light on the ongoing issues within workplace wellness initiatives.
In her recent study involving over 300 corporate decision-makers, Roos gathered insights into the common strategies employed to promote well-being at work. Popular approaches included offering fitness benefits, providing commuting bicycles, and conducting repeated surveys to gauge employee satisfaction. However, Roos pointed out that while these methods are prevalent, they often lack relevance to the actual work environment. She advocates for a fundamental rethinking of wellness programs, which she feels frequently miss the mark by being disconnected from daily job realities.
Instead of relying on various wellness campaigns and initiatives, Roos argues that the essence of improving well-being lies in ensuring that work processes are effective and that employees possess the necessary support to succeed in their roles. This call for a practical approach invites input from the audience, as Yle seeks experiences from individuals regarding their workplace's wellness methods, questioning their effectiveness and impact on overall job satisfaction.
