Nearly three in five employees are placing their wellbeing ahead of social activities, research shows, with growing numbers making time for exercise, sleep and healthier lifestyles.
The survey of 4,002 UK employees, by Reward Gateway Edenred, showed that 58 percent have prioritised their wellbeing in the past six months, compared with 40 percent who said the same over the last year.
The most common approaches to self-care include making time for oneself (67 percent), regular exercise (55 percent) and ensuring sufficient sleep (54 percent). Nearly half (48 percent) of employees said nothing is more important than their work-life balance. This shift could signal the end of the FOMO (fear of missing out) trend which drove people to attend events even when their social battery was low.
Healthier habits are also emerging, with 46 percent managing a healthy diet and almost a third (29 percent) cutting back on alcohol consumption or choosing alcohol-free alternatives.
Work-life balance is becoming a stronger focus. More than a third (35 percent) of employees are using their annual leave in full, 29 percent are setting firmer boundaries at work by taking lunch breaks or finishing on time, and 15 percent have reduced or adjusted their working hours.
Creative and therapeutic activities are also on the rise, with 16 percent of employees taking up new hobbies, 12 percent starting therapy or talking sessions, and another 12 percent joining regular wellbeing workshops or classes.
Chris Britton, people experience director at Reward Gateway Edenred, said: “Life has never felt as fast-paced as it does now, which is why it’s great that employees are putting themselves first and slowing down. Whether that’s by re-energising with some deserved alone time, or getting in a full eight hours of sleep, it’s important that our British workforce is doing what they need to feel well-rested, happy and, most importantly, in the best condition to go through their day productively.”
He added: “There are more people on benefits than ever before and worklessness continues to be an issue the government is struggling to unravel – so it’s encouraging that our workers are taking matters into their own hands. But this shouldn’t be a lonely road towards success, especially in the middle of the country’s health crisis. Wellbeing should be at the forefront of business agendas, and the government should support this move if we want to see the country, and its people, thrive.
“Consistent, visible communication, self-serving wellbeing tools and workplace benefits are just some of the ways to do this. Not only does it demonstrate support from a position of leadership, but it also removes the stigma around health, and ill-health. Everyone deserves to feel supported in their wellness journey, and it’s time for businesses to harness the potential to make a positive change in their employees’ lives.”
