Growing numbers of employers looking at introducing wellbeing initiatives

Nearly two thirds of UK employees experience stress in their jobs, according to research into workplace happiness by Happiness Works on behalf of Robert Half UK which also looks at how increasing numbers of employers are looking at introducing wellbeing initiatives to support the physical and mental health of their employees.

The survey of over 2,000 employees found that, of those who find their roles demanding, nearly one in 10 said their job was very stressful. Robert Half says nearly half of businesses now offer tools designed to promote wellbeing in the workplace, with one in seven providing stress management seminars or training and annual leave for personal and mental wellbeing. Other initiatives being introduced include counselling (17%), leaving work early on a Friday (17%) and limiting the amount of overtime that employees can do (11%).

“Starting a wellbeing programme may come at a cost but health and happiness go hand-in-hand,” said Phil Sheridan, senior managing director, Robert Half UK. “Creating a working environment that encourages good health fosters a more stable workforce. It also helps facilitate better team relationships, which in turn drives employee satisfaction, performance and morale.”

Alongside introducing flexible working policies (17%), the survey found organisations are rethinking how the design of the workplace impacts health, wellbeing and productivity. One in seven employers have developed ergonomic workplaces and supply healthy food or drinks.

One in five have introduced company bicycle or cycling schemes, followed by subsidised gym membership (15%), corporate sporting and fitness (10%) and tools, such as fitbits or step counters, that encourage employees to move (9%).

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