Health and wellbeing overtakes salary as top recruitment priority, data finds

Health and wellbeing support is now more important than salary for recruitment and retention of talent, according to data from Everywhen. 

Health and wellbeing was rated highest by 44% of employers, just ahead of salary at 43%. 

Working hours and practices were rated as important by 42% and company culture by 33%. 

Training and career progression stood at 38%, pension provision at 23%, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy at 14%.

39% of employers said health and wellbeing is a key reason people stay with a company, while 24% said it is a key reason people join. 

19% of employers said their company does not offer enough health and wellbeing support, impacting their ability to recruit and retain staff.

Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Everywhen, said: “We were hoping and expecting that employers would recognise the important role health and wellbeing support plays in recruitment and retention, but even we were surprised that it is seen as more important than salary.

“It is great that employers recognise how they can use health and wellbeing benefits to recruit and retain specific demographics, helping to find and match talent with any gaps in the workplace.