Workplace wellbeing has shifted from being a “nice-to-have” to an absolute “must-have.” It’s not just about the occasional yoga class on a Friday afternoon anymore with companies now investing in tailored wellbeing solutions. Let’s look into the deeper benefits of adopting a structured approach to health and wellbeing in your organisation, both for the employees who drive it and the company itself.

Salary, flexible working, and perks like gym memberships are certainly attractive to future employees, but don’t disregard the effectiveness of wellbeing benefits. Things like mental health support, stress management programs, or access to professional physical health services go a long way in demonstrating to potential hires that your organisation truly values them.

Remember, employment is a two-way street. It’s not just about what your employees can bring to the table, but about how you, as an employer, can support them as individuals. Making employees feel genuinely valued promotes loyalty and encourages the best talent to stay and grow with your business.

The impact of ill mental and physical health on the UK workplace is undeniable. In fact, the cost of long-term sickness leave for the UK is expected to reach £63.3 billion annually by 2030. That’s a huge burden on businesses and a reminder of why prioritising wellbeing is essential.

Mental health issues remain one of the top causes of long-term employee absence, with physical conditions like musculoskeletal injuries and stress continuing to cause significant short-term absence. But the effects don’t stop there; employees also face challenges in their personal lives, from relationship strain to increased anxiety and financial stress.

By offering mental health support and improving physical health in the workplace, you can make a genuine difference to your employees’ overall wellbeing, helping them manage stress and become more engaged in their roles.

Boosting productivity is often mentioned as a key benefit of a wellbeing strategy, but let’s be clear: productivity should never be the only focus. Improving your people’s wellbeing isn’t about chasing KPIs. It’s about genuinely investing in your staff’s health, which can naturally result in more engaged, motivated, and productive employees.

If you’re only offering wellbeing initiatives with the intent to increase productivity, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Wellbeing should be about creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported, not just a means to an end.

Culture often struggles to get the credit it deserves as an integral part of an organisations success. Results make up just a small chunk of organisational culture, with other elements such as diversity, trust, teamwork and employee engagement.

Senior leaders have a real window of opportunity to encourage employees to take care of themselves. By promoting better health from inside the working environment, leaders can create a space where people feel safe, supported, and valued.

A strong wellbeing culture doesn’t just improve employee retention; it also builds your organisation’s reputation. According to recent data, 49% of employees globally say employers should do more to support their wellbeing, and 42% are willing to sacrifice pay for better benefits. By embedding wellbeing initiatives into the core of your organisation, you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Employees want to work for companies that care about their wellbeing. In fact, 50% of employees who have been with a company for less than six months may seek new employment if they don’t feel supported in this area. By prioritising wellbeing, you’re not only taking care of your people, but you’re positioning your company as an employer of choice.

At The Livewell Syndicate, we’ve got the experience and the resources to help you create a bespoke wellbeing package tailored to your organisation’s needs. We’re passionate about what we do and are committed to reducing the stress and challenges faced by your HR department.

Get in touch to find out how we can support you in improving the wellbeing of your workforce and ultimately, the success of your organisation.