Louise Aston
Wellbeing Campaign Director, Business in the Community
With more than one in three UK employees unhappy in their job, employers need to not just change, but revolutionise ways of working to attract and retain the best talent.
There are worrying signs that the nation’s mental health is getting worse and work is a significant factor. In the past year, over a third of employees have experienced a work-related mental health issue, citing excessive pressure, workload or long hours as the causes.1
The COVID-19 pandemic and international humanitarian crises have caused job seekers and employees to re-evaluate priorities based on whole life horizons. Evidence shows that 28% of UK employees left their jobs in 2021, or planned to leave in 2022, with 61% citing poor mental health as the reason and 65% seeking a work life balance.2
Businesses need to decisively respond to the shifting power dynamic between employees and employers and prioritise mental health and wellbeing.
What if your job was good for you?
BITC’s ground-breaking report, What if your job was good for you? launched in June 2021 was never intended to be an end in itself. It did not claim to have all the answers and much has been learnt in the past year.
In the past year, over a third of employees have experienced a work-related mental health issue, citing excessive pressure, workload or long hours as the causes.
The report has acted as a successful vehicle for convening a collaborative movement of BITC business leader members and stakeholders to drive action and share insights. These insights have informed the sequel report, ‘Your job can be good for you.’
Your job can be good for you
The report will be launched in June 2022 and will highlight that traditional models of working have imploded and need to be redefined to meet the increasing and differing needs of employees. Business leaders need to revolutionise ways of working that put people first, enabling all employees to agree ways of working that support their personal wellbeing, benefitting both individuals and businesses.
Failure to meet these expectations will lead to poor colleague experiences, high people costs, lower productivity and innovation and worst service outcomes. Business leaders need to understand what the new generation want.
Informed by BITC research, a literature review, qualitative interviews with business leaders from across the responsible business agenda and case studies, the new report provides practical actions for business leaders to revolutionise ways of working that support thriving people, business, communities and a healthier planet.
[1] Business in the Community (2020) Mental Health at Work 2020: key findings
[2] Deloitte, Poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion a year, April 2022.