Kirstene Hair
Inclusion and Wellbeing Issue Director, Business in the Community
Supporting employee wellbeing should be a priority for all employers. In doing so, employers will not only see benefits for individuals, but for their business too.
Everyone has different preferences regarding when, where and how they work. By enabling flexibility when shaping ways of working, employers can create an environment that fosters inclusivity and respect.
Flexibility is key
Greater control over working patterns supports employee wellbeing, and examples such as flexible hours, remote work, job sharing and compressed workweeks can all enable that much-sought-after balance. Flexibility enables employees to work alongside personal commitments, caregiving responsibilities and health issues. However, without a workplace culture prioritising wellbeing, employees are less likely to use the suite of available policies or seek support as issues arise.
Senior leaders are well-placed to lead by example. ‘Loud leaving’ was a term used by a female CEO I spoke with recently, as she highlighted the importance of proudly leaving the office early to watch her son’s football match, enabling others to follow suit without feeling guilty for managing their working day around family.
Investing in employee wellbeing can b
ring a financial return of up to £370 billion.
Benefits of prioritising employee wellbeing
People are an organisation’s most valuable asset, and evidence confirms that investing in employee wellbeing benefits both the individual and the organisation. When employee wellbeing is placed at the heart of an organisation, this can reduce absenteeism and presenteeism and increase productivity.1 In fact, investing in employee wellbeing can bring a financial return of up to £370 billion.1
Research has found that attracting and retaining talent is one of the most significant challenges facing 57% of CEOs.2 Demonstrating responsible business, through clear employee value propositions, can help close the gap. A larger talent pool is critical to creating diverse workforces that bring a broader range of perspectives and skills, leading to better decision-making and innovation.
By creating a supportive workplace culture, employers are well-positioned to support their most valuable assets, and a proactive approach to wellbeing undoubtedly boosts employee engagement and overall job satisfaction.
[1] Business in the Community. Prioritise people: unlock the value of a thriving workforce.
[2] Business in the Community. Lifting up the UK: State of the Nation 2024.
