Employee Health and Wellbeing Benefits:
Why They Matter in Today’s Workplace

In the fast-paced world of business, employee health and wellbeing have emerged as pivotal topics. Companies increasingly realise that supporting their employees' physical and mental health is not just a perk—it’s a necessity for fostering a productive and engaged workforce. Recent statistics show that only 40% of employers currently offer staff support for physical health, according to a recent study by GRID, the industry body for the group risk sector​. This low percentage is concerning, given the substantial impact health and wellbeing have on employee retention and overall job satisfaction.

The study further highlights that two in five employers provide their employees with access to private treatments, vocational rehabilitation, or other medical services. Employers who implement such benefits find themselves better equipped to address health-related issues, making group income protection and similar schemes not only a comprehensive but also a cost-effective way to manage employee wellbeing. By offering structured support, organisations can create an environment where employees feel valued and cared for, ultimately driving business success and sustainability.

“Offering structured health and wellbeing support isn’t just about being the best place to work; it’s about creating a safety net for your employees when life throws unexpected challenges at them."

In a UK Market Update, Hannah Scanlan, Recruitment Manager at People2People London, shared her insights on the growing importance of health and wellbeing benefits and how businesses can implement them effectively. Hannah highlighted how employers are beginning to see these benefits as a critical component of their recruitment and retention strategies.

“Offering structured health and wellbeing support isn’t just about being the best place to work; it’s about creating a safety net for your employees when life throws unexpected challenges at them,” said Hannah. She emphasised that companies that invest in wellbeing programs tend to see improved employee morale and engagement, which can lead to better retention rates and reduced absenteeism.

Hannah explained that employees are looking for more than just traditional benefits now. “They want flexibility, personalisation, and support that fits into their lives, not just their work environment,” she noted. This shift in expectations means that companies need to rethink their approach and look at benefits as a way to show genuine care and consideration for their staff’s diverse needs.

The conversation moved into a discussion around practical steps employers can take to implement these strategies. “Start by listening to your employees,” said Hannah. “Understand what they need and what kind of support will be most beneficial. Tailoring your benefits to suit the unique needs of your team will pay off tenfold in terms of loyalty and engagement.”

A key takeaway from the discussion was the need to integrate health and wellbeing benefits into a company’s core values and culture. It’s not enough to simply offer a gym membership or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). “Employees want to know that their company genuinely cares about their wellbeing. This means creating a culture where using these benefits is encouraged, not stigmatised,” added Hannah. By fostering a supportive environment, businesses can empower employees to take advantage of the resources available to them.

Hannah also addressed the potential challenges of implementing such programs, particularly for smaller businesses with limited budgets. “Even small initiatives, like regular check-ins and promoting a healthy work-life balance, can have a significant impact,” she suggested. “The focus should be on creating a culture of openness and support, where employees feel safe to talk about their health and wellbeing.”

The discussion concluded with some practical advice for companies looking to strengthen their health and wellbeing offerings. Hannah emphasised that the foundation of any successful program is trust and communication. “If you’re not having conversations with your employees about what they need, you’re already behind,” she said. This approach not only helps in building a supportive workplace but also ensures that employees feel heard and appreciated.

Practical Tips to Boost Employee Wellbeing
To create a thriving and supportive work environment, consider the following strategies:

1. Offer Personalised Benefits: Employees value benefits that cater to their individual needs. Consider flexible work arrangements, mental health days, and access to health resources that go beyond the basics.
2. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to take breaks, use their leave, and avoid overworking. A culture that respects personal time helps prevent burnout and fosters long-term productivity.
3. Implement Mental Health Support: Providing access to mental health services, such as counselling and therapy, can make a huge difference in employee satisfaction and overall wellbeing.
4. Encourage Physical Activity: Support physical health through gym memberships, step challenges, or partnerships with local fitness centres.
5. Create a Supportive Culture: Ensure that employees feel comfortable using the benefits provided. This could involve regular workshops, open discussions on health topics, and visible support from leadership.
6. Provide Access to Health Professionals: Having health professionals, such as nutritionists, therapists, or wellness coaches, can offer employees a holistic approach to managing their wellbeing.
7. Celebrate Wellbeing Initiatives: Recognise and reward employees who actively engage in wellbeing programs. This could be through incentives, shout-outs, or creating wellbeing champions within your team.
   
   

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As a white-collar recruitment agency, people2people specialises in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Outstanding Large Agency Award and Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.