Prioritizing workers’ wellbeing deemed a strategic investment

As companies are dealing with the complexities of hybrid work and digital advances, the need to further prioritize employee wellbeing became more crucial for ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce.

This is a recommendation made by talent and career platform Jobstreet by SEEK, through its report entitled ‘Hiring, Compensation, and Benefits 2024’.

The leading talent and career platform also encouraged hirers to also prioritize employees’ mental health, recognizing that addressing these challenges is not only a duty to employees but also a strategic investment in the success and sustainability of the organization. Companies particularly in the high-stress zone may need to implement effective measures to provide support and address the well-being of their employees, acknowledging the need for a healthier work environment.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), mental illness is becoming a common disability, with 3.6 million Filipinos suffering from mental, neurological and substance use disorder.

Jobstreet by SEEK report further revealed that 71 percent of the hirers surveyed rated their workplace as ‘moderately stressful’, while 18 percent fell into the high-stress category. Only 11 percent rated being in a low-stress environment.

Topping the causes of employee stress are heavy workload at 36 percent and high pressure from management or fast-paced environment at 28 percent.

Other hirers also included lack of appreciation, low pay, and long working hours, among others. These were mostly experienced by employees who work in companies in the high-stress zone.

While some companies have recently been implementing employee well-being initiatives, Jobstreet by SEEK highlighted that the need for employers to do more to help their workforce is evident.

According to the same report, only 58 percent of hirers indicate that their organizations are doing enough to help employees deal with stress at the workplace.

Still, 62 percent of organizations expressed that they’ve started new initiatives in the past year to help their employees, such as mental health day off and wellness counseling.

In light of this, Jobstreet by SEEK encourages companies to enhance efforts to boost employee morale and provide ample support for employees in navigating stressful situations. Hirers are advised to consider implementing regular wellness talks and activities as well as employee assistance programs which can significantly contribute to creating a collectively supportive and healthier work environment.

“We believe in the importance of prioritizing employee mental health and well-being as a strategic investment in organizational resilience and productivity. At Jobstreet by SEEK, we are committed to being a reliable partner for hirers in nurturing and retaining top talents, fostering a workplace culture focused on employee welfare, continuous growth, and sustainable success,” shared Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director, Philippines, Jobstreet by SEEK.

Jobstreet by SEEK is an employment platform in Southeast Asia, helping people live more fulfilling and productive working lives and helping organizations succeed. It is a subsidiary of SEEK, a diverse group of companies comprised of a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial, and volunteer businesses.

SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and has a strong presence across the APAC region, including six Asian markets – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand – through the Jobstreet and JobsDB brands. SEEK attracts over 500 million visits a year in Asia.