Why Wellbeing Isn’t Just HR’s Job
“Wellbeing? That’s an HR thing.” It’s a phrase I’ve heard countless times, and it always gives me pause. Yes, HR plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing wellbeing strategies, but let’s be clear: workplace wellbeing isn’t just HR’s job. It’s a shared responsibility – one that spans leadership, management, and every corner of an organisation.
When we leave wellbeing solely in the hands of HR, we miss out on the opportunity to create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and engaged. After all, HR can set the stage, but it takes collective effort to bring wellbeing to life.
I once worked with a multi-national planning & design company…
The HR team had put together a fantastic wellbeing programme – resources, workshops, even an employee assistance hotline. But uptake was low. Why? Because managers weren’t engaging with the initiatives, and leadership wasn’t championing them. Employees saw wellbeing as “just another HR thing,” not a priority for the organisation as a whole.
When the leadership team got involved (attending workshops, talking openly about wellbeing, and embedding it into team meetings) the culture shifted. Wellbeing became a shared value, not a siloed initiative. Engagement skyrocketed, and employees began to feel genuinely supported.
According to a study by Gallup…
…teams with managers who prioritise wellbeing see significantly higher engagement, retention, and productivity. Conversely, research from the CIPD highlights that when wellbeing is left solely to HR, it often fails to gain the traction needed to create lasting change. The message is clear: wellbeing needs to be a leadership priority, not just an HR initiative.
How can we make wellbeing everyone’s responsibility?
Here are some practical ways to shift the narrative and embed wellbeing across the organisation:
- Lead from the Top: Leadership must champion wellbeing, not just support it from the side-lines. When senior leaders talk about and engage with wellbeing, it sets the tone for the entire organisation.
- Empower Managers: Managers are the bridge between strategy and day-to-day operations. Equip them with the tools, training, and confidence to support their teams’ wellbeing effectively.
- Integrate Wellbeing Into Everyday Conversations: Wellbeing shouldn’t be a one-off topic or an annual initiative. Make it a regular part of team meetings, check-ins, and organisational communications.
- Collaborate Across Departments: Wellbeing isn’t just HR’s domain. Involve operations, finance, and even marketing to ensure that initiatives are aligned with business goals and accessible to all.
- Hold Everyone Accountable: Create clear expectations around wellbeing, from leadership down to individual employees. A culture of shared responsibility ensures that everyone plays their part.
Let’s Talk…
Wellbeing isn’t a task to delegate – it’s a value to embody. When organisations move beyond the idea that wellbeing is “just HR’s job,” they unlock its full potential to transform culture, engagement, and performance.
So, what’s one step you can take today to make wellbeing a shared priority in your organisation? Let’s connect and start building a culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered.
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