I Quit. For the Sake of my Well-Being

It happens. You've probably considered it yourself. More and more employees are considering quitting their current role because they believe it negatively impacts their well-being.

According to Deloitte's 2023 Well-Being at Work Survey, 60% of employees, 64% of managers, and 75% of the C-suite are seriously considering quitting for a job that would better support their well-being. And those figures represent a 'notable increase' on previous data.

This is not a fad. Not a trend. It's a growing awareness. When it suffers, our mental health and physical well-being suddenly become priority number one. All else pales in comparison.

So what can organizations do in order to stave off this potential attrition of key talents? Invest in well-being programs you cry. If only it were that easy.

Another key insight in Deloitte's Well-Being at Work Survey highlights what stops such programmes in their tracks. Managers may be finding it difficult to support their staff due to factors outside of their control. In fact, 70% cite organizational barriers such as company policies (e.g., rigid scheduling requirements), a heavy workload, an unsupportive workplace culture, and not being equipped with the right skills. As a result, only 42% of managers say they feel “completely” empowered and capable of helping their company achieve its well-being commitments.

And this is the key challenge. Simply buying well-being solutions off the shelf is a wasted investment. Or no investment at all. Unless the key underlying obstacles are tackled.

At Athletic Minds Innovation, we are aware of these issues. And that's why our programmes incorporate cultural change as a critical foundation of success. Our project managers have decades of experience as change agents in large corporations. We know that an unsupportive workplace culture can hinder well-being initiatives before they've even got off the ground. And we know how to fix it.

Starting at the top, we challenge leaders to address fundamental issues with the working culture that are impacting the well-being of employees. We empower managers to become well-being coaches, and we work with work-class athletes to deliver cutting-edge well-being approaches that are resilient and 'playing field' tested.

Making a real difference to an organization's well-being requires a two-pronged approach. You need to react to the issue and support your employees in acquiring healthy habits. But a preventative approach is also critical. By addressing the working culture and making it conducive to employee well-being, you are securing investments in well-being programs and reducing the need for them in future.