Fania Stoney
Business Development Strategist, Great Place to Work
Rachel McLoughlin
Content Marketing Executive, Great Place to Work
In the fast-paced world of STEM, employee wellbeing is more than just a perk; it’s essential for fostering innovation and productivity. Discover why prioritising wellbeing is crucial for success.
Why is employee wellbeing so important in STEM organisations?
Fania Stoney (FS): In STEM, where innovation and problem-solving are essential, prioritising employee wellbeing is crucial. The high demands and complex projects often lead to stress and burnout. If organisations neglect wellbeing, it can hinder not only employee satisfaction but also overall performance.
How exactly does wellbeing influence performance in these fields?
(FS): When employees feel supported and listened to, their engagement levels rise significantly. They are more productive and creative, which is vital in STEM industries that thrive on innovation. The Best Workplaces for Health and Wellbeing demonstrate that companies committed to fostering trust and support can achieve peak performance, as engaged employees are more likely to contribute their best ideas and efforts.
Many organisations that rank as the
Best Workplaces for Health and
Wellbeing go beyond surface-level
incentives, like gym memberships.
Do the best workplaces in STEM approach wellbeing differently compared to others?
(FS): Absolutely. Many organisations that rank as the Best Workplaces for Health and Wellbeing go beyond surface-level incentives, like gym memberships. They cultivate high-trust environments where employees feel secure in their roles. This allows for open communication about needs, concerns, challenges and opportunities.
Can you provide examples of what these organisations are doing to support wellbeing?
(FS): Leading organisations actively listen to employee feedback and act on it. Different life cycles require different modes to underpin performance and, from what we have seen, the best organisations are listening and responding. For example, some organisations are proactively engaging their people around the menopause, experimenting with new ways of working or providing opportunities for people to pursue their passions.
Is there then a strong link between employee wellbeing and organisational success?
(FS): Exactly. The best STEM organisations recognise that when employees are supported, they bring their best selves to work. Investing in wellbeing not only enhances job satisfaction but also drives innovation and long-term success — making it a win-win for everyone involved.
Learn more at https://www.greatplacetowork.ie
