The concept of employee welfare embraces a wide range of activities undertaken both by the employer and government. The primary motive of employee welfare programs is to encourage workers and boost their productivity.

It includes statutory, non-statutory, intramural, and extramural welfare measures. Stipends, health insurance, fire protection, education, housing facility, food provision, and transportation are standard employee healthcare welfare measures taken in India.

Apart from this, employers can also cater to their workers’ welfare by supervising their working conditions.

Employee welfare is an extensive subject. Let’s learn more about this innovative initiative that aims to make the life of workers more comfortable and happier.

Types of Employee Welfare

There are three types of employee welfare facilities:

• Safety Services – It includes the maintenance of a proper work environment and work equipment in the organisation. Some common examples are maintaining slip-resistant floors, safety railings, moving walkways, escalators, and so on.
• Health Services – The prime motive of health services is to ensure the workers’ mental and physical fitness. It includes preventive, curative, periodic medical screening, and special surveillance over women and young workers’ health.
• Counselling Services – Counselling services aim to support and guide the employees going through emotional or personal turmoil.

Advantages of Employee Welfare Programmes

There are several advantages of employee welfare programmes. Some of the major ones are listed below:

• Effective employee welfare policies will motivate the employees to work honestly and sincerely in the organisation.
• Employee welfare programmes will develop a feeling of familiarity and attachment among the workers.
• Workers can enjoy working in a developed, healthy, and happy work environment.
• Workers will stay mentally and physically fit to perform their professional duties effectively.
• Employee welfare programmes promote healthy industrial relations, better efficiency, and higher productivity among employees.
• It will help the organisations get rid of issues like non-retention and employee absenteeism.
• Employee welfare schemes play a vital role in enhancing the standard of living of the workers.
• Employee welfare programmes will give rise to harmonious and healthy relationships between the organisation and workers.

Objectives of Employee Welfare Programs

The primary objective of employee welfare is to support and nurture the employees associated with the organisation. Other objectives include:

• To boost the morale of the employees
• Create a dedicated, loyal, and satisfied workforce
• To help workers live a happy and comfortable life
• To reduce the influence of trade unions on workers
• To develop the proficiency of the employees
• To create a good image of the organisation in the minds of workers
• To show the benevolent and philanthropic side of the organisation
• To foster long-term human relations
• To eradicate bad habits like gambling, drinking, and drug abuse amongst workers

Principles of Employee Welfare Programmes

Here is a list of the employee welfare principles that every employee and employer should be aware of:

• Principle of Social Responsibility: Organisations have certain responsibilities towards society. They must fulfil them and follow the lines of action prevalent in society with their efficient employee welfare programs.
• Principle of Democratic Values: Every worker has certain rights as per the constitution of India. The employer must gratify those rights and needs of workers.
• Principle of Adequacy of Wages: Employee welfare measures are never a substitute for the employees’ wages. Industries should accept this fact and work in the best interest of the employees.
• Principle of Efficiency: Every employee welfare program incorporated should enhance the efficiency and productivity of the workers. Education, training, diet, and housing are some of the most crucial aspects of employee welfare.
• Principle of Co-Responsibility: Employee welfare is a co-responsibility shared by both the employer and the employee. These measures will yield the desired results only if both parties stay united in their efforts.
• Principle of Totality of Welfare: All employee welfare programmes must pass through the company’s official hierarchy. It is the responsibility of everyone in the industry to accept these measures.
• Principle of Re-Personalisation: The prime motive of employee welfare is personality development. Therefore, it is crucial to implement these welfare measures both inside and outside the organisation.
• Principle of Integration: Welfare is a comprehensive approach. Adopting a coordinated approach is the key to creating a harmonious and happy work environment.

Bottom Line

So this was all about what is employee welfare. Are you also planning to introduce an employee welfare program in your organisation?

If yes, make sure you make efforts to create a meaningful and comfortable life for your employees. If implemented in the right way, these measures can yield you the best results.