Numerous businesses are actively pursuing strategies to enhance their workforce’s wellbeing, deploying various interventions at both individual and organisational levels. As reported in the Industrial Relations Journal, recent findings cast doubt on the efficacy of individual-level mental wellbeing interventions such as mindfulness training, resilience-building programmes, stress management techniques, relaxation sessions, and wellbeing apps in fostering employee welfare.

Our study, drawing on survey data collected from an extensive sample of 46,336 employees spanning 233 organisations across the UK, revealed a lack of significant evidence supporting the benefits of individual-level mental health interventions. Despite participating in these interventions, employees showed no discernible improvement in various subjective wellbeing indicators compared to their counterparts who did not engage in such interventions.

Our lead author, the esteemed William Fleming, PhD, from the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, underscored the potential efficacy of organisational interventions over individual-focused approaches. These organisational interventions may encompass changes in scheduling practices, management methodologies, resource allocation, performance evaluation systems, or job design.

Dr Fleming emphasised, “There is a growing consensus that the focus should extend beyond individual interventions to encompass broader organisational changes.” He further noted the significance of this research, which scrutinised wellbeing interventions across many workplaces, offering insights beyond the confines of isolated trials conducted within single organisations. The absence of substantial benefits underscores the need for a more ambitious approach to improving employee wellbeing.

The study’s outcomes advocate for a shift in focus towards comprehensive organisational strategies rather than relying solely on individual-level interventions. Dr. Fleming hopes these findings will serve as a catalyst for further research endeavours and prompt proactive actions by employers to enhance employee welfare.

More information: William J. Fleming et al, Employee well-being outcomes from individual-level mental health interventions: Cross-sectional evidence from the United Kingdom, Industrial Relations Journal. DOI: 10.1111/irj.12418

Journal information: Industrial Relations Journal Provided by Wiley