Wellbeing in the workplace: personal issues affecting employee wellbeing

The business case for wellbeing in the workplace is undeniably strong because when your people thrive, your organisation excels.

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted many employees’relationships with workplace wellbeing. Rising stress levels and anxiety meant that employees had to prioritise their mental and physical health.

A secondary consequence of the pandemic is what’s now known as ‘The Great Resignation’. This is the trend of people choosing to quit or change their jobs to take control of their careers. Increasingly, individuals now prioritise their wellbeing over work, and wellbeing incentives can be the deciding factor when seeking new work.

Promoting wellbeing in the workplace can help create a more positive working environment by minimising stress levels, improving employee satisfaction and engagement, and ultimately helping employees become more resilient and thrive at work.

Personal issues can significantly affect employee wellbeing because separating your personal life from work life can be very difficult.

This is why many employees bring their personal problems to work, which in turn has an impact on the workplace environment as a whole.

In this article, we will be focusing on the impact of personal issues on employee wellbeing. But first of all,we will briefly look at what exactly we mean by employee wellbeing and wellbeing in the workplace in general.

What exactly is employee wellbeing?

Employee wellbeing refers to an employee’s holistic state of mental, emotional, and physical health. According to Gallup researchers, employee wellbeing includes five core components: 

1. Career wellbeing:

The satisfaction employees feel with work responsibilities and how they spend their time at work every day.   

2. Social wellbeing: 

Engaing in healthy, meaningful relationships. 

3. Financial wellbeing:  

The ability to manage personal finances successfully. 

4. Physical wellbeing: 

To have health and energy for basic functioning and accomplishing tasks.  

5. Community wellbeing: 

Having a connection with others and feeling a sense of belonging in the place where employees live.

Employee wellbeing is a critical component of a healthy working environment and organisation.

Companies that promote wellbeing make it easier for employees to manage their stress levels while also maintaining a positive and productive environment.

Promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace. 

Putting measures in place such as wellbeing in the workplace initiatives to support employees, benefits businesses as much as it helps them.

If employee health issues are proactively managed with the right support in place, they’re usually less likely to escalate.

On the flipside, if employees aren’t getting the right support, they need to stay fit and healthy, it’s possible they’ll take more time off and may even leave the business.

Wellbeing in the workplace should be a priority.

Corporate wellbeing should be a cornerstone of any organisation. After all, a happy and healthy workforce is essential for building a successful business.

Wellbeing goes beyond health. It indicates that people are thriving holistically, functioning optimally, and actualising their potential in their personal lives and at work.

Employee wellbeing: one of the biggest differentiators for top companies.

Employee wellbeing is one of the biggest differentiators for companies on the 2023 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® List compared with a typical company. For employees at one of these top companies, 83% report having a psychologically and emotionally healthy workplace.

The impact of personal issues on corporate wellbeing. 

Employees’ personal lives can affect their ability to do their jobs and interact with co-workers, managers and clients. But even when employees are dealing with serious personal issues at home, they must still meet performance expectations and act professionally. 

But employers can still be supportive and understanding while enforcing performance and conduct standards at work.

Personal issues can be defined as any personal problem that affects a certain individual. The most common personal issues usually relate to health, addiction, family, disability and finances.

Today, personal issues related to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, especially burnout, are very common.

We will now look at some of the most common personal issues that can affect an employee’s wellbeing in the workplace.

10 personal issues that can affect wellbeing in the workplace.

1. Burnout and work-related stress. 

Burnout refers to a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to excessive stress, particularly in the workplace.

It often occurs when individuals face chronic work-related pressure, overwhelming demands, and a sense of being emotionally drained.

Work-related stress, on the other hand, encompasses the various factors that contribute to an individual’s stress levels within their job.

These can include high workloads, time pressures, lack of control or support, and conflicts between work and personal life.

Both burnout and work-related stress can have detrimental effects on employees’ wellbeing, job performance, and overall quality of life, underscoring the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues.

2. Mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.

Mental health issues including depression and anxiety, can significantly impact employees in the workplace. These conditions can lead to decreased productivity, difficulties concentrating, and impaired decision-making abilities.

People experiencing depression may struggle with low motivation, persistent sadness, and a lack of energy, while anxiety can manifest as excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty coping with stress.

These conditions can also affect interpersonal relationships, leading to social withdrawal and decreased teamwork.

Recognising and supporting employees with mental health conditions is crucial in promoting a healthy work environment and ensuring their wellbeing.

3. Substance abuse and addiction.

Substance use and addictions can also have significant impacts on workplace issues.

Employees struggling with substance abuse may experience decreased job performance, absenteeism, and an increased risk of workplace accidents.

Substance use can impair cognitive functions, decision-making abilities, and overall productivity.

Moreover, addiction can lead to unpredictable behaviour, conflicts with colleagues, and strained relationships.

Additionally, substance-related issues may contribute to increased stress levels and decreased morale within the workplace.

4. Financial difficulties including debt and job insecurity.

Financial worries can result in increased stress, anxietyand distraction.

Furthermore, worrying about finances can lead to decreased motivation, engagement, and general satisfaction.

People dealing with financial difficulties, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, may experience difficulty focusing on their tasks, as their attention may be consumed by worries about their situation.

If it’s a transition of circumstances, feelings of loss can impact our mood in response to life changes.

5. Relationship problems including divorce and family conflicts.

Emotional distress stemming from relationships can spill over into the workplace, affecting concentration, and decision-making.

Employees may experience heightened stress, anxiety, and depression, making it challenging to effectively manage work responsibilities.

The need to address personal matters and deal withfamily issues may result in increased absences or difficulties balancing work and personal life.

Providing a supportive work environment that acknowledges and offers resources for employees dealing with relationship problems can help mitigate the negative effects and promote employee wellbeing.

6. Bereavement and loss.

Bereavement, grief, and loss are often accompanied by a wide range of intense emotions.

People experiencing these emotions may feel deep sadness, longing, and a sense of emptiness due to the absence of their loved one. They may also experience feelings of shock, disbelief, anger, guilt, and profound sorrow.

Grief can manifest physically, with symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and aches or pains.

Each person’s experience of bereavement and grief is unique, but it’s a natural and necessary process that allows people to gradually adjust and find ways to cope with their loss.

Compassionate leave is important as it provides employees with the necessary time and space to grieve, address practical matters and seek support during times of loss and bereavement.

7. Chronic illness and disability.

Chronic illness and disability can be stressful in the workplace due to the physical, emotional, and practical challenges they present.

Employees dealing with chronic illness or disability often face unpredictable symptoms, frequent medical appointments, and the need for changes to their work environment.

This can lead to heightened stress levels, concerns about job security, and a sense of being overwhelmed.

Additionally, employees may encounter stigma, discrimination, or lack of understanding from colleagues, which further adds to the stress and can impact their overall wellbeing and job satisfaction.

Supporting employees with chronic illness or disabilities through reasonable adjustments, flexibility, and inclusive policies can help alleviate these stressors and foster a more supportive work environment.

8. Work-life balance and time management issues.

Work-life balance and time management issues can become stressful when employees struggle to effectively allocate time and energy between their professional responsibilities and personal life.

If employees don’t have a healthy work-life balance, it can lead to a constant feeling of being overwhelmed and stretched too thinly.

Long working hours, excessive workloads, and the inability to disconnect from work can take its toll on personal relationships, limit self-care opportunities, and hinder the pursuit of hobbies and interests.

This imbalance can result in chronic stress, burnout, and a decline in physical and mental wellbeing. It’s crucial for employees to establish clear boundaries, prioritise self-care, and practice effective time management strategies to reduce stress and achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Employers also play a role in fostering a supportive culture that encourages work-life balance, offers flexible scheduling options, and promotes a healthy integration of work and personal life.

9. Age-related issues including ageism and age discrimination. 

When employees experience ageism, they may feel devalued and sidelined due to their age, leading to a decline in their self-esteem and overall sense of worth.

Ageism can manifest in many ways, such as being overlooked for promotions or job opportunities, facing stereotypes, or being treated as less capable or competent solely based on age.

These experiences can chip away at self esteem and confidence. It can also have a negative impact on an employee’s sense of belonging and belief in their skills and abilities.

It’s important to create a working environment that values and respect people of all ages.

10. Becoming a parent. 

Research has found that becoming a parent can bring significant changes to a person’s life, including their experience in the workplace.

The demands of parenthood, combined with work responsibilities, can lead to stress and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Some parents may also struggle with self-doubt and question their parenting abilities, which can impact their work performance and wellbeing.

While these challenges can be difficult to navigate, there are resources available to support parents in managing the demands of work and parenthood.

Summary: wellbeing in the workplace.

Wellbeing in the workplace can be affected by a number of personal issues faced by employees.

It’s imperative for employers and employees alike to recognise and address these issues, promoting a supportive work environment that values work-life balance, mental health, and welcoming practices.

By doing so, we can cultivate healthier and more fulfilling workplaces where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Harley Street Counselling and Training 2023

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