PULSE POINTS
CONTINUED
STILL STRESSED Stress , anxiety , a lack of engagement at work and a greater emphasis on personal well-being are among the many factors that have contributed to workers leaving their organizations in search of greener pastures . Though the amount of focus many organizations have placed on employees ’ mental and physical health has undoubtedly increased in recent years , Gallup ’ s research suggests that the effects of that increased focus have been relatively limited . Just 21 percent of employees globally reported feeling engaged at work , and just one-third said they are thriving in their overall well-being . And while work-related issues contribute to those figures , it is critical for leaders to recognize that for many ( including possibly themselves ), stress levels in general remain high . According to Gallup , stress levels reached all-time highs in 2021 , when 44 percent of respondents said they had experienced stress a lot during the previous time . Similarly , feelings of worry , sadness and anger remain above pre-pandemic levels around the world .
What does this mean for spa leaders ? In part , it means that any steps taken in the workplace to address team members ’ well-being and reduce stress must not be put aside as the worst of the pandemic recedes from view . As Gallup ’ s report notes , overall well-being and engagement at work are inextricably linked . Of those who reported feeling significant stress on Gallup ’ s survey , nearly half ( 49 percent ) said they were not thriving and not engaged , compared to just 30 percent who said they were thriving and engaged .
Another key consideration for spa leaders is the extent to which overall well-being influences work , even when there is no clear drop in work performance . To that end , employees who said they are engaged at work but not thriving in their overall well-being have a 61 percent greater likelihood of ongoing burnout than those who are engaged and thriving .
As the data cited here indicates , the global workforce remains in a delicate position . Workers continue to be open to leaving their roles if they feel that conditions — be they a greater sense of fulfillment or a bigger paycheck — might be more hospitable elsewhere . Spa leaders must continue to consider the factors driving workers to other organizations and do whatever they can to mitigate their effects , both for the sake of their teams and business operations . n
“ Just 21 percent of employees globally reported feeling engaged at work , and just one-third said they are thriving in their overall well-being .”
52 PULSE n OCTOBER 2022