This study proposes a comprehensive consulting approach for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDHMH) to improve workplace well-being. This study investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic affected workers' well-being and how to alleviate their fears. The paper proposes a management change strategy using archetypes and system theory. NYCDHMH has the resources to create and implement a workplace well-being program, thanks to the research. The data helped identify knowledge, resource, and procedure gaps that may impede progress. Archetypes revealed and clarified work environment perceptions and interactions of the organizational structure of the NYCDHMH. The organizational framework, operational methodologies, and protocols were assessed using system theory to identify potential shortcomings. The study will propose a butterfly effect-based learning institution to address organizational transformation communication, collaboration, and decision-making issues. Broad perspectives were provided to NYCDHMH to launch a successful employee well-being program.
TopGlobally speaking, the COVID-19 epidemic has significantly influenced organizations, including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The pandemic has made it clear how crucial it is to prioritize employees' health and well-being, and the department has upped its focus on doing so (DuBrin, 2019). One program the department has put in place to assist staff well-being throughout the epidemic is providing mental health services and support. In a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association, 78% of participants said the pandemic had caused them significant stress (APA, 2020). As a result, the department has given staff access to online stress and anxiety management tools, virtual counseling services, and other mental health resources.
Along with providing resources for mental health, the department has launched several projects to enhance physical health and well-being. For instance, the division has promoted healthy eating and lifestyle practices by offering resources and supporting staff members who exercise and take breaks during the workday. These programs are a component of the department's overall focus, which has been a top priority for several years, on staff health and well-being. In addition, to promote employee well-being, the department developed a comprehensive mental health strategy in 2017 (NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2017). The need to address the psychological, social, and emotional facets of employee well-being was acknowledged in the plan. It featured programs to support staff members' mental health, advertise healthy habits, and cultivate a welcoming and inclusive workplace atmosphere (Goleman, 2018).
The department strives to enhance organizational performance while promoting employees' general health and well-being by prioritizing employee health and well-being. Organizations can benefit significantly from employee well-being, including higher productivity, decreased absenteeism, and lower healthcare expenses (Harvard Business Review, 2019). However, organizations currently emphasize putting long-term preventive measures into place more than avoiding the effects above. For instance, creating an organization-wide mental health strategy, encouraging good, effective communication at work, and creating strategic mental health training plans for organizational leaders (Gray et al., 2019; Weir, 2013).
Implementing these programs helps employers keep their present staff members, attract and retain top talent, and keep them content and productive (Davolt, 2006; Singh, 2019). Around the world, workplaces have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic issue, including the 2017-founded New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDHMH). The pandemic has made it clear how crucial it is to pay attention to employee health and well-being for moral and practical reasons. The department has realized how crucial it is to establish ways to promote staff mental health and wellness during these challenging times. As a result, more studies and projects are now aimed at enhancing employee health and well-being. Neglecting the health and well-being of employees can have significant adverse effects on firms. According to studies, poor employee well-being has been linked to higher healthcare expenditures, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism.