According to new research from Mintago, the number of employees voicing wellbeing concerns is on the rise. However, a significant number of UK organisations are failing to provide sufficient wellbeing support.
As part of the research, 503 senior managers within UK-based organisations, both in the public and private sector, were surveyed. The results revealed that in the past 12 months, an overwhelming majority (87%) had been approached by an employee to discuss wellbeing concerns.
Mental health (48%), job satisfaction (43%) and financial wellbeing (40%) emerged as the most prevalent wellbeing concerns that employees had discussed with their managers. Of those managers who had discussed financial wellbeing, 68% of employees cited the cost-of-living crisis as their primary concern, followed by pay rise requests (50%), rental/mortgage payments (46%) and debt worries (43%).
However, despite the increasing prevalence of financial wellbeing issues, research also found that a third of organisations (33%) do not have a clear process in place for dealing with employee wellbeing concerns.
Organisations who offer wellbeing support can make a big difference by creating an environment where employees feel valued, which in turn will result in a positive impact on employee’s long-term mental health and wellbeing.
You may think spending on employee wellbeing to be a luxury at a time when it can least be afforded. However, employers have a duty of care to protect the mental health and wellbeing of their employees, as much as their physical health, and there is also a strong financial incentive to do so with a return on investment in reduced absenteeism and staff turnover, as well as improvements in recruitment as employees place ever greater value on such benefits.
A good wellbeing programme will enable an organisation to create an environment where employees can meet their physical, mental, financial, and social needs. Our Health, Safety & Wellbeing Consultant Joanne Howley is an accredited Mental Health First Aider who can help your organisation develop an Employee Wellbeing programme which suits the needs and budget of your business. Jo is an accredited Coach and NLP Master Practitioner and has over 30 years’ experience supporting people through coaching and leadership development, along with experience in people management, mentoring and change management.
Our wellbeing services include:
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- Mental Health & Wellbeing Awareness:Training sessions for both managers and employees, designed to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage open conversation, helping your organisation to develop a culture that values employee wellbeing and improves overall business performance.
- Wellbeing Audits: The audit looks at how your organisation is performing and highlights any gaps in your workplace wellbeing strategy. A report is provided along with recommendations to develop your organisation’s overall approach to wellbeing.
- Wellbeing Days: Wellbeing days can be provided in house or at an external venue, and are designed to give employees time and space to focus on their individual wellbeing and experience using a range of tools and techniques to promote physical and mental health. Days are built around the client’s budget and requirements, but might include exercises in relaxation techniques, learning about nutrition, yoga and mindfulness. Our wellbeing days may also include Nature Facilitated Learning, which uses a range of coaching and relaxation techniques in an outdoor setting to promote learning and deeper self-understanding. This is especially good for stress management and personal goal setting.
- Employee Coaching: Employee coaching looks at where the employee wants to be, what they want to do and what they want to achieve. Jo will work closely with individuals to build bespoke development interventions which will help them achieve their goals in all areas of their lives from career to relationships, physical health and mental wellbeing to work-life balance. Coaching can be designed around various topics such as return to work, stress management, goal development, and can be provided in either individual or group sessions.
EML can assist your organisation to develop a Wellbeing Strategy that will positively impact on the mental and physical health of your workforce and thereby help improve overall business performance. If you would like further information with regards to our Employee Wellbeing services, or have any other HR, Employment Law or Health & Safety issues, please contact us on 01942 727200 or email enquiries@employeemanagement.co.uk to find out how we can help.