Meditation workshops, stress management training, listening program: for several years, initiatives aimed at employee well-being have been developing in the workplace. Across the Channel, these management strategies even exist in half of British companies, according to the human resources expert firm ICPD. But they would have no real effect on the mental health of workers, according to a study led by William Fleming, researcher at the University of Oxford.
The sociologist analyzed data collected from 46,000 employees in 233 industrial and service companies, between 2017 and 2018. Among them, 5,000 employees had taken part in at least one initiative linked to well-being at their place of work during the year. But the researcher did not notice any significant difference between their mental health and that of employees who did not take part in or benefit from such a type of activity. “These strategies therefore do not seem to be bringing results,” said William Fleming.
Volunteering, a source of well-being
On the other hand, the study highlights the benefits brought by volunteering actions implemented by companies. They would in fact improve well-being, by promoting the feeling of accomplishment and social relations between employees. Employees participating in these volunteer actions report on average a better psychological state. Note, however, that people who engage in volunteering, an activity requiring great motivation, often already have good mental balance.
In conclusion, William Fleming believes that it is above all the working conditions of employees which determine their quality of life in the company, much more than initiatives aimed at influencing the employee individually. Changes at the organizational level, such as “schedule modifications, management practices, sufficient staffing” are more beneficial.