Impact of Emotional Wellbeing on an Employee’s Performance

Emotional well being is intangible but can have tangible and long-lasting effects on a person. It has the power to manifest both positive and negative outcomes. It solely depends on how well you take care of yourself. Most of the times we shun away from our emotional needs due to various reasons like:

• Lack of knowledge
• Financial constraints
• Fear of judgment
• Time limitations and more

It is crucial for us and the organizations to understand that emotional well being is very important to feel secure, confident, calm, and happy. All of these positive emotions also affect an employee’s productivity in a good way by enhancing motivation, job satisfaction, team spirit, etc.

On the other hand, if the employee is not feeling good, negative emotions can also affect performance but in an unwanted way. It can bring out a lack of motivation, frustration, disappointment, nervousness etc. 

Did you know? A report, ‘Workplace Wellness’ by Capita, revealed that during the last 12 months, as far as 79% of workers have experienced stress at work. In fact, 45% considered even leaving a job due to the stress it created. 

The Covid-19 Effect 

Emotional well being has been an area of interest for organizations and corporations for quite a while. However, due to the onset of the pandemic, employers have seriously started addressing the mental well being needs of their employees. 

As per a survey conducted by Unum on employers in 2020, 85% responded that they are somewhat or very concerned about their employees’ mental health. 

Social distancing, isolation measures, loss of loved ones, work stress, juggling between work and home, etc. have led to various mental health issues that also reflect on an employee’s performance. It is directly related to how well the business will do. 

Have you also been feeling exhausted, lonely or unmotivated lately?

According to various eminent institutions all over the world, loneliness during the pandemic can lead to a mental health epidemic. 

• The Harvard Gazette suggests that young adults are hardest hit by loneliness due to the pandemic
• Medical News Today says that Covid-19 has produced an ‘alarming’ increase in loneliness and significant symptoms of depression
• Science Daily conducted research advocating the increase in loneliness levels during Covid-19 lockdown

Any one of us could experience crippling levels of emotional issues. Hence, it is important for HR professionals or people managers to look out for signs which may suggest that employees are struggling to cope. 

Action Steps for Employers

Technology can prove to be a savior in such unprecedented times.

• Self-assessments tools should be made available to all employees
• Online screenings can be offered free or at subsidized rates
• Revisiting employee wellness programs and give weightage to mental health
• Hosting webinars and online workshops for addressing burnouts, stress, lack of motivation, etc.
• Sharing materials such as blogs, brochure, videos etc. educating about the signs or symptoms of poor emotional well being

The pandemic might subside in some time but the effect can be long lasting for organizations and their employees. It can severely impact employee productivity. It is best to take relevant steps now than being sorry later.