Alex wakes up to the sound of his alarm clock at 6AM. His phone immediately notifies him with work messages, causing him to feel stressed. Deadlines are approaching, making his day seem daunting. As he gets ready for the day, the pressure builds up. He has multiple meetings scheduled back-to-back, and his phone constantly rings, adding to his already heavy workload.
By the time the workday ends, Alex feels exhausted both physically and emotionally. The continuous work takes a toll on him.
But Alex’s experience is not unique. In today’s fast-paced business world, where profit often reigns supreme, the importance of employee well-being is becoming increasingly recognised. However, a crucial question remains: can something as personal and intangible as well-being truly be measured by numbers?
Imagine diagnosing a patient based solely on their temperature. A fever is a red flag, but it tells you little about the intricate web of factors contributing to their health. Similarly, relying solely on sleep trackers or employee satisfaction surveys for workplace wellbeing is like only taking a temperature reading. They provide a single, limited signal, while the true picture of employee flourishing lies in a constellation of factors – stress, lack of purpose, strained relationships, and more.
Instead of aiming for a singular metric of “wellbeing,” let’s ask ourselves:
- Do employees feel connected to their colleagues and managers?
- Do employees feel like their work is meaningful and contributes to something bigger?
- Are employees empowered to make decisions and manage their workload?
By shifting our focus from simplistic numbers to these nuanced dimensions, we understand how stress affects engagement, how purpose fuels productivity, and how connectedness fosters collaboration. The goal isn’t to control employees through data but to better understand their needs and experiences. Gathering comprehensive information can create a workplace that truly supports their wellbeing.
Therefore, yes, workplace wellbeing can be quantified and Serein’s Wellbeing Index has made it possible. With this tool, you can measure, understand, and nurture the emotional well-being of your workforce. To learn more, email us at hello@serein.in