"Happiness Days could be used more productively" – employees tell Yle what would really enhance workplace well-being
Employees in Finland express a need for better management and working conditions to improve workplace well-being, rather than temporary wellness initiatives.
In a recent survey conducted by Yle among various employees in Finland, many reported that conventional wellness days and fitness benefits offered by employers have not significantly impacted their overall workplace well-being. Instead, they are calling for more substantial investments from their employers in areas such as effective management, functional workspaces, and clearly defined job responsibilities. According to the workers, these elements are essential for creating a supportive and productive work environment.
Eira Roos, a special physician in occupational health, echoed the employees' sentiments, emphasizing that Finnish workplaces often focus on the wrong measures to enhance workplace well-being. She suggested that rather than providing wellness days, fitness perks, and conducting surveys, employers should prioritize improving workflow and operational efficiency. Roos noted alarming statistics from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, indicating that one in four employees is at risk of burnout, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.
The employees interviewed shared that superficial measures are not enough; they require systemic changes that target the root causes of workplace stress and dissatisfaction. As mental health becomes a growing concern nationally, the push for a reevaluation of what constitutes effective workplace well-being initiatives is becoming increasingly loud. Without a shift in focus toward solving fundamental organizational problems, Finnish workers are unlikely to experience significant improvements in their work environments or mental well-being.