Is your business missing a health and wellbeing strategy?

With workplace sickness costing UK businesses over £100bn each year, it's no wonder more organisations are taking action to better support the wellbeing of their teams.

Wellbeing at work goes beyond just physical health, it's about how well the environment supports the physical, mental, and emotional needs of employees. It includes everything from promoting a healthy work-life balance and providing access to mental health resources, to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.

A health and wellbeing strategy is a framework that identifies what’s affecting your people's physical and mental health, and outlines clear, practical steps to improve it and transform your business. When done right, it becomes a powerful business tool. In fact, it's more important now than ever. With the public healthcare system under strain, employees are increasingly looking to their employers for support. Working parents face the dual burden of full-time jobs and demanding childcare responsibilities, while the cost-of-living crisis continues to heighten stress levels for many. Read on to discover the importance of a health and wellbeing strategy, or simply download our guide.

Latest figures indicate:

• 67% of employees say money worries affect their ability to work.

• Stress, anxiety and depression are the top causes of long-term sickness absence. (Benenden Health Mental Health Report 2024)

• 81% of employees said they would prioritise wellbeing over salary in a new role.

The role of the employer

Employers play a key role in supporting workplace wellbeing. By identifying challenges that may affect staff, such as high workloads, lack of resources, or financial stress, businesses can take meaningful action to address these issues.

This might involve offering flexible working arrangements, providing access to wellbeing programs, or simply ensuring managers are equipped to support their teams effectively. When employers invest in their people, it shows they care about their employees beyond just their output, fostering loyalty and trust.

The power of wellbeing done right

Organisations that put people first are not only supporting their employees but also reaping the business benefits. In fact, prioritising wellbeing can help with:

• Reduced absenteeism: Employees who feel physically and mentally well are less likely to take time off. And a reduction in sick days means a reduction in their total cost to your business.

• Reduced presenteeism: Just as problematic for businesses, presenteeism is when people try to work despite being unwell. So, improving employee health will also lead to a boost in productivity.  

• Better retention: A happy, healthy workplace fosters loyalty, reducing turnover and recruitment costs.

• Successful recruitment: A strong wellbeing strategy is as important to candidates as salary or holiday allowance and can help you attract the right talent.

• Higher productivity: Empowered and engaged employees bring greater focus and energy to their work.

• Improved morale: A culture of care creates stronger team connections and positive motivation.

So how can you create a strategy that truly works?

The key to any strategy is thoughtful planning. With the right preparation, you lay the groundwork for success. To make it easier, we've created a free, step-by-step guide to help you along the way. Our health and wellbeing strategy is about designing a tailored approach that reflects your team’s unique challenges and goals.

 From uncovering what your people really need to setting realistic, measurable goals, and choosing initiatives that make a difference, this guide is designed to help you get there – in just 5 simple steps.

Will a health and wellbeing strategy work for me?

Every organisation is different, but whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing what's already in place, even small changes can make a big impact.

Research shows that organisations with established wellbeing strategies are:

• Three times more likely to meet their performance targets.

• Twice as likely to retain top talent.

• Far better equipped to handle hybrid work challenges and climate-related disruptions.

And it doesn't need to be complicated. For example, introducing flexible working arrangements, providing access to mental health support, or improving communication about available benefits can transform the workplace experience.

Your employees are your most valuable asset. When you invest in their wellbeing, you create a culture of trust, innovation, and enthusiasm that drives success.

Take the next step

Looking to create a healthier, more productive workplace? Download our free 2025 Guide to a Health and Wellbeing Strategy. It's packed with actionable insights, real-world examples, and expert tips to help you build a strategy that delivers lasting results.

For more information on how to better look after your employees' wellbeing, head over to our mental health workplace hub. You can also find out how to keep your workforce happy and healthy by signing up to our employee engagement newsletter.