The wellbeing equation: Building success through employee fulfilment

What is the most important asset of any organisation? It is not the products or services they sell or the technology they use. Arguably, their most valuable asset is their people.

Employees are the driving force behind any successful organisation. They are the catalyst for innovation, adept problem solvers, and the key enablers for the seamless delivery of products and services to customers. Thus, it becomes imperative for organisations to make strategic investments in the holistic wellbeing of their workforce.

Pelindo is committed to creating a culture of employee wellbeing that starts at the top and permeates throughout the organisation, declared Ihsanuddin Usman, CHRO of Pelindo, who believes that mental health and financial wellness are inextricably linked and that organisations have a responsibility to create a supportive environment for both.

“Mental health affects a person’s decision-making abilities. Poor mental health can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and disengagement at work. Financial difficulties can exacerbate these issues, creating a cycle of stress and anxiety that turns to reduced work performance,” Ihsanuddin told HRM Asia.

“Mental health affects a person’s decision-making abilities. Poor mental health can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and disengagement at work.” – Ihsanuddin Usman, CHRO of Pelindo

To this end, the Indonesian port operator has implemented a range of strategies aimed at fostering a supportive environment for both mental health and financial wellness. One key strategy highlighted by Ihsanuddin is the provision of financial education for employees, which can take the form of workshops, seminars, or online resources. This approach equips employees with the knowledge they need to make well-informed financial decisions and manage their money more effectively.

As an example, Pelindo took a proactive step in July 2023 by launching a podcast episode focused on mitigating the risks associated with online loan platforms. This episode was crafted to raise awareness among employees about the potential pitfalls of online loan platforms and to equip them with the insights required to make informed decisions regarding their financial borrowing.

Another strategy involves the provision of comprehensive health and wellness benefits for employees. In this regard, Pelindo has proactively prioritised the wellbeing of its workforce by offering a wide range of health and wellness benefits which encompass health insurance, access to various physical activities, and participation in programmes like Pelindo Active, an initiative designed to motivate employees to adopt healthier lifestyles while gaining valuable knowledge and skills.

Lastly, Ihsanuddin emphasised the significance of leadership support, underlining how leaders can establish the tone by leading through their own actions and actively advocating for healthy lifestyles and work-life balance.

Leadership sets the tone for Pelindo

Building upon Ihsanuddin’s emphasis on leadership support, Pelindo has adopted a multifaceted approach to ensure that their commitment to employee wellbeing transcends mere rhetoric and makes a positive impact on employees’ lives. This begins with leadership buy-in and commitment, where top leadership actively champions and participates in wellbeing initiatives, thereby sending a compelling message throughout the organisation.

In addition, he shared that the organisation places great emphasis on clear and transparent communication, making their commitment to employee wellbeing evident and explicit. Pelindo also relies on data-driven approach, utilising data and surveys to discern the specific needs and preferences of their workforce, which enables them to tailor wellbeing programmes for maximum impact.

Ihsanuddin continued, “To maximise outreach and engagement, Pelindo utilises a diverse range of communication platforms, including social media, infographics, podcast streams, and more, ensuring that our wellbeing initiatives reach every corner of our workforce to boost awareness and participation.”

To set the tone for a culture of wellness, below are steps Ihsanuddin recommended:

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Pelindo’s journey towards prioritising employee wellbeing serves as a blueprint for organisations aiming to create a holistic, supportive, and thriving work environment. By recognising the interplay between mental health, financial wellness, and overall wellbeing, and implementing proactive strategies with leadership commitment, organisations can unlock the full potential of their employees, driving engagement, productivity, and fulfilment to new heights.

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Ihsanuddin will also be speaking at CHRO Indonesia, where he will present on the topic of Creating a Productive Culture of Employee Wellness to Drive Business Sustainability. In his session, he will explore the profound significance of organisational culture, particularly in the context of the transformative impact of the pandemic on the workplace and how it has reshaped the dynamics of work and interaction.

Under the theme HR 2024 and Beyond: How CHROs Can Shape Organisational and Workforce Transformation, CHRO Indonesia will be held at Ritz Carlton Jakarta Mega Kuningan on 18 October 2023. To find out more about CHRO Indonesia, click here.