Employee Experience and Well-Being Management
Employee experience and well-being management have emerged as fundamental elements directly impacting the success of both employees and organizations in the modern business world. In hybrid work models, these practices transform offices from mere workplaces into environments that support employees’ physical and mental health. The widespread adoption of hybrid work post-pandemic, accelerated digital transformation, and rising expectations for physical, mental, and social well-being have reshaped Facilities Management (FM) and Human Resources (HR) policies. Employees’ desire to return to the office post-pandemic is influenced not only by job requirements but also by the social and ergonomic benefits offices provide. According to OfficeRnd, office design in hybrid setups directly affects employees’ motivation, engagement, and overall well-being. In this context, Facilities Management (FM) plays a critical role in organizing offices with an employee-centric approach.
FM enhances employee comfort in well-being management by optimizing factors such as air quality, lighting, acoustic control, and ergonomic furniture. As SE-FM notes, in the hybrid world, FM must create a healthy environment to make the time employees spend in the office more valuable. HBR Türkiye highlights that offices are being redesigned as meeting hubs, with well-being becoming a priority in this process. For instance, offices with abundant natural light boost employees’ energy, while quiet zones facilitate focus. According to Peoplebox, well-being-focused offices reduce stress, enhance productivity, and lower turnover rates.
Global Perspective on Employee Experience and Well-Being: Data and Trends
Globally, employee well-being is critical to workplace sustainability and competitive advantage. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health not merely as the absence of illness but as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being. Gallup’s 2023 Global Workplace Report reveals that only 21% of employees worldwide feel they are “thriving” at work, while 58% are “quietly quitting,” and 21% are actively unhappy. These figures underscore well-being’s impact on employee engagement. A U.S. study (Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 2022) shows that well-being-focused workplaces reduce turnover by 19% and boost productivity by 14%.
Another global indicator of well-being is the impact of mental health issues on the workforce. The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2022 report estimates that mental health challenges cost the global economy $1 trillion annually, with 35% of these losses tied to workforce inefficiency. In the European Union (EU), Eurofound’s 2021 Working Conditions Survey found that 44% of employees faced work-life balance issues during the pandemic, negatively affecting their well-being. Meanwhile, in the UK, CIPD’s 2023 data shows that 67% of companies investing in well-being programs reported a 12% decrease in employees’ intent to leave.
Technology plays a significant role in well-being management. An MDPI article (2021) demonstrates that IoT and AI-based systems improve well-being by 20% by monitoring office conditions like air quality and ergonomics. For example, a U.S. tech firm reduced employee stress by 15% using smart sensor-equipped offices. The International Journal of Workplace Health Management (2023) finds that well-being-focused practices (e.g., flexible hours and meditation spaces) increase job satisfaction by 18%.
Sustainability is also integral to well-being. The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) 2023 report notes that 30% of employees in green buildings report higher well-being, linked to energy efficiency and natural light. Globally, 55% of Fortune 500 companies integrated well-being strategies with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals in 2022.
Employee Experience and Well-Being in Türkiye: Statistical Data and Findings
In Türkiye, hybrid work has heightened awareness of employee well-being, though FM practices in this area are still evolving. A DergiPark article indicates that Turkish businesses are increasingly considering employees’ physical and psychological needs in hybrid setups, but infrastructure gaps pose challenges.
Employee experience and well-being management in Türkiye are shaped by cultural and economic dynamics. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) 2023 Labor Force Statistics, 16% of full-time employees work remotely or hybrid, signaling that well-being management extends beyond the office. However, the same report notes that 42% of employees work over 45 hours weekly, negatively impacting work-life balance and highlighting the need for greater well-being efforts.
A 2022 DergiPark study on hybrid work’s impact on well-being found that 58% of participants were satisfied with flexible hours, but 35% complained about office physical conditions (e.g., poor ventilation). The study also notes that well-being in Turkish businesses is often narrowly perceived as “employee satisfaction,” with mental health overlooked. Per the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) 2023 report, 45% of Istanbul companies adopted hybrid models, with 30% investing in well-being programs (e.g., gym memberships or stress management training).
Mental health is a key well-being component in Türkiye. The Ministry of Health’s 2022 data shows that 25% of the working population exhibited post-pandemic depression or anxiety symptoms. A 2023 DergiPark study reveals that 40% of Turkish employees lack workplace stress support, reducing productivity by 15%. Conversely, Kolektif House’s 2022 data suggests coworking spaces enhance well-being, with 65% of users reporting better feelings due to social interaction and flexibility.
The economic impact of well-being in Türkiye is significant. A 2021 Human Resources Management Journal study reports that well-being-focused companies cut annual per-employee productivity losses by 10% and absenteeism by 8%. For instance, an Istanbul finance firm increased job satisfaction by 12% with well-being programs (e.g., mindfulness workshops), saving 1.5 million TL annually.
Organizational Impact of Employee Experience and Well-Being
Employee experience and well-being are foundational to organizational success. A 2022 Springer article shows that well-being programs boost collaboration by 25% and creativity by 20%. A U.S. retail firm reduced employees’ intent to leave by 14% with well-being-focused office design (e.g., relaxation areas and natural light). The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2023) finds that well-being enhances corporate reputation by 17% and talent attraction by 22%.
In Türkiye, these effects vary by sector. A 2021 DergiPark study in the service sector found that employees with high well-being scores reduced customer complaints by 30%. İTO’s 2023 data shows that 40% of Turkish companies investing in well-being saw a 15% rise in office return rates, particularly in tech and finance.
Technology and Well-Being Management
Technology transforms well-being management. An MDPI article (2022) shows smart systems optimizing air quality reduce stress by 18%. Globally, CBRE’s 2023 report notes that 60% of companies using well-being tech report a 15% rise in job satisfaction. A UK insurance firm balanced social distancing and well-being needs using IoT to monitor occupancy.
In Türkiye, tech adoption is limited. A 2023 DergiPark study finds that 25% of Turkish firms use digital well-being tools (e.g., reservation systems), compared to 50% in Europe. Kolektif House data shows smart offices improve well-being by 20%, though this is mostly confined to major cities.
Sustainability and Well-Being
Well-being intersects with sustainability goals. The WorldGBC 2023 report states that 35% of green building employees report higher well-being. TÜİK’s 2022 Environmental Statistics show that 35% of commercial building energy use in Türkiye comes from idle spaces, reducible to 10% with well-being-focused optimization. An Istanbul tech firm cut energy use by 25% and boosted well-being by 15% with green design.
Conclusion and Future Perspective
Employee experience and well-being management are shaping the future of workplaces in Türkiye and globally. Global data affirm well-being’s impact on productivity, engagement, and sustainability, while Türkiye’s efforts remain in progress. Supported by technology, cultural awareness, and regulations, well-being strategies will enhance shared success for employees and organizations. Türkiye’s alignment with global trends offers a critical opportunity for economic and social transformation.
