Employers are increasingly recognising that investing in wellbeing initiatives delivers tangible business outcomes, according to a survey of 500 HR decision makers.
The research from Towergate Employee Benefits shows that employers say that while “doing the right thing” for employees was an important driver (35 percent), they also pointed to business benefits such as increased loyalty (35 percent), stronger retention (35 percent) and higher productivity (34 percent).
Further advantages highlighted by respondents were greater staff engagement (34 percent), reduced absenteeism (31 percent), alignment with culture and values (31 percent), and support for recruitment (24 percent).
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.”
She emphasised the importance of employers connecting the dots between employee support and business results: “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.
“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.”
