Older employees are likely to enjoy improved well-being, according to a new study* . The research reveals that workplace well-being progressively increases with age and also highlights workplace relationships as one of the most important elements of well-being.
Data from the three-year international study, which surveyed over 10,000 people from 131 countries, revealed that the youngest age group (18–24 years) report the lowest levels of well-being (6.77 on a 10-point scale) and the oldest age group (65+ years) reported the highest levels (8.14).
The research supports a widely held hypothesis that people develop ways to support their well-being with experience; something that presents an opportunity for senior-aged workers to help mentor their younger co-workers and enhance organisational well-being.
In contrast, the research found that country culture and gender play little part in contributing to workplace well-being; however workplace relationships are of key importance and personality type also makes an impact.
John Hackston, Head of Thought Leadership at The Myers-Briggs Company, commented on the findings:
Growing evidence shows well-being influences a wide range of life outcomes and, despite organisations spending vast sums on “wellness programs”, few companies use real insight to inform their workplace well-being strategies.
Companies should consider how they can leverage these insights to benefit their workforce. For example, drawing on the wisdom and experience of senior-aged workers to help mentor their younger colleagues can be a key benefit; with mentorship programmes one way to do this.
Recent organisational research has indicated up to 80 per cent of people in large organisations are not engaged with their work, something that results in huge losses in productivity. We know that improved employee well-being leads to greater commitment to the organisation, improved job satisfaction and a reduced likelihood of job hopping, and ultimately helps to drive business success.
And considering the currently record-low unemployment levels across the UK, organisations have to compete fiercely for the best talent. Offering excellent workplace well-being is one way to engage and retain employees, both young and old alike.”
*From The Myers-Briggs Company, one of the world’s largest business psychology providers
Interested in workplace wellbeing and mental health? We recommend the Workplace Wellbeing and Stress Forum 2019 and Mental Health Awareness training day.
Aphrodite is a creative writer and editor specialising in publishing and communications. She is passionate about undertaking projects in diverse sectors. She has written and edited copy for media as varied as social enterprise, art, fashion and education. She is at her most happy owning a project from its very conception, focusing on the client and project research in the first instance, and working closely with CEOs and Directors throughout the consultation process. Much of her work has focused on rebranding; messaging and tone of voice is one of her expertise, as is a distinctively unique writing style in my most of her creative projects. Her work is always driven by the versatility of language to galvanise image and to change perception, as it is by inspiring and being inspired by the wondrous diversity of people with whom paths she crosses cross!
Aphrodite has had a variety of high profile industry clients as a freelancer, and previously worked for a number of years as an Editor and Journalist for Prospects.ac.uk.
Aphrodite is also a professional painter.
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