To which department does workplace wellbeing belong?
For me this is always an interesting question in an organization; where in the organizational structure does workplace wellbeing sit. Naturally we find it back either at HR or Health and Safety departments, neither of which have strong backgrounds in the science of wellbeing. HR has always been about resource management and generally takes a more organizational perspective dealing with the actual work that needs to be done. The occupational health professionals originally have a strong background in physical health and safety of the workplace and covered topics like work related illness, ergonomics, material safety and absentee management. Since the last decade we see a shift and upcoming and a broader focus on health promotion, mental health and overall employee wellbeing. A shift from case management and risk reduction to prevention, promotion and organizational culture. Not always an easy shift…
We strongly believe that in order for Workplace Health and wellbeing approaches to become successful both HR and Occupational Health should work together on an integrated and holistic strategy that combines both talent and career management with employee health and wellbeing, creating a more mutually beneficial work-environment where both personal and business success go hand in hand. They win and you win, they are happy, you are happy, simple isn’t it? As simple as it sounds, it’s hard work to get done, try to work together with another department with other goals and objectives, I hear you think…
