Jessica O'ConnorNew research from Towergate Employee Benefits has found that offering health and wellbeing support to employees delivers significant advantages for businesses, from improving loyalty and retention to increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism.
While many employers said providing such support was simply “the right thing to do,” the survey highlighted the measurable benefits organisations gain when they invest in their workforce’s wellbeing.
According to the findings, 35% of employers identified increased employee loyalty, retention and “doing the right thing” as the top advantages.
Productivity and engagement were both cited by 34% while 31% pointed to reduced absenteeism and better alignment with company culture and values.
Almost a quarter of employers (24%) also said wellbeing initiatives help with recruitment.
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Employee Benefits, said: “It is great that employers recognise that supporting the health and wellbeing of staff has a much wider impact than just on the employees themselves. The more this is understood, the more businesses are likely to implement support, and this will benefit the business and its employees too.”
“It is important that companies are aware of the benefits to the business that come from looking after the health and wellbeing of staff, including areas such as improved recruitment, retention and productivity, along with reduced absenteeism.
“Any employer who feels they are not seeing direct advantages to the company from the support they offer should seek advice on how the support can benefit the business too.”
Clark said the findings provide evidence for employers seeking to build a business case for investing in wellbeing initiatives.
She concluded: “When the board sees the positive impact to the company when staff are looked after, they’re more likely to invest in it, and our findings help companies build the business case for supporting staff.
“What is clear is that when employees are looked after, everyone benefits.”
