Employee wellbeing programmes in demand among professionals

Professionals across many sectors are being drawn to organisations that offer employee wellbeing programmes. 

According to research by Robert Walters, 29% feel employee wellbeing programmes are the most important lifestyle and wellbeing benefit when weighing up a job offer. 

This view was particularly common among HR professionals, with 43% saying this was a priority for them when considering their next role, ahead of perks such as free gym memberships, healthcare vouchers and retail discounts. 

A third of those working in general management said the same, as did one in three C-suite professionals. 

Habiba Khatoon, director of Robert Walters Midlands, said: “Professionals are coming forward to demand that their employers do more to support their wellbeing at work – this isn’t an issue that’s limited to a specific industry or job-level.”

Nearly three-quarters of companies currently have employee wellbeing programmes in place. 

However, the research found that in the last eight months, less than one in five professionals have taken advantage of the mental health support offered by their employer. 

In many cases, this was because they felt the wellbeing programme in place was a box-ticking exercise, rather than a benefit that gave meaningful support. 

Others, meanwhile, said the services being offered had to be improved if they were to be used. 

“The jury is out on whether the steps employers are then taking to heed their demands are having the desired effect,” Ms Khatoon said. 

“While it’s encouraging to see that many employers have been ramping up their wellbeing benefits – the figures speak for themselves.  

“Efforts are still falling short when it comes to meaningfully supporting professionals’ wellbeing.” 

“With past aspersions of the UK adopting a ‘sicknote culture’, it’s important employers can not only empathise with, but adequately support their employee’s wellbeing to avoid footing the cost of increased employee absences.”

More than eight in ten professionals say they’ve experienced poor mental health at work over the last year. 

And furthermore, over one in four said they experienced it regularly. 

Ms Khatoon acknowledged that there is “no overnight solution” for improving mental health. 

However, she said employers must concentrate on creating “a culture of open discussion and empathy in their workplace”. 

For example, Ms Khatoon said bosses could offer regular check-ins for employees, as well as encourage regular breaks and respect holidays and working hours. 

“Businesses who dedicate themselves to going the extra mile in supporting their staff’s mental health and wellbeing now will reap the rewards of increased employee loyalty for years to come,” she added.