The Importance of Looking After Employee Wellbeing

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The Importance of Looking After Employee Wellbeing.

A Holistic Approach to Leadership and Business Success.

Author: Gabrielle Ingham

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, employee wellbeing is no longer a mere afterthought – it has become a cornerstone of organisational success. Prioritising the mental, emotional, and physical health of staff not only fosters a positive workplace culture but also drives engagement, productivity, and retention. The evidence is clear: businesses that adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing see significant returns, from reducing absenteeism and turnover to nurturing effective leadership.

This article explores how Lancashire Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Services can help companies create healthier, more motivated teams, ultimately leading to stronger overall business performance.

Workplace Wellbeing

Navigating Changing Workplace Demands

In today’s business landscape, employee wellbeing is no longer just a buzzword or a box to be ticked – it is a vital component of a thriving organisation. As we continue to navigate the demands of an ever-evolving workplace, the mental, emotional, and physical health of employees plays a crucial role in determining the overall success of a business.

At Lancashire Mind, we see every day how taking a proactive, holistic approach to employee wellbeing can transform not just individual lives, but entire organisations. The evidence is compelling.

According to the 2023 UK Workplace Wellbeing Survey, 79% of employees who suffer from poor mental health report that it negatively affects their ability to perform at work, and nearly 57% state that it leads to workplace absences (CIPD, 2023).

These figures underscore the pressing need for businesses to prioritise mental health and wellbeing as part of their core strategy. In this article, I would like to explore how adopting a holistic approach to employee wellbeing can improve engagement, motivation, productivity, foster better leadership, and reduce turnover. I will also outline how Lancashire Mind’s services can help businesses achieve these outcomes.

Wellbeing and Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is often the secret ingredient that separates a thriving business from one that is struggling. Engaged employees are not only more productive but also more innovative, collaborative, and dedicated to the organisation’s goals. However, engagement is closely tied to the mental and emotional wellbeing of employees. When individuals struggle with stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, it can be difficult for them to fully engage with their work or colleagues.

Gallup’s 2022 UK study on employee engagement revealed that only 9% of employees in the UK are actively engaged in their work (Gallup, 2022).

This means that the majority are either disengaged or simply going through the motions boding the prevalence of the newly coined term; presenteeism. One of the main reasons for this disengagement is the lack of mental health support in the workplace. According to Deloitte (2022), the cost of poor mental health to UK employers is a staggering £56 billion per year, accounting for absenteeism, presenteeism, and high turnover.

At Lancashire Mind, we offer a comprehensive range of Workplace Wellbeing Services, including Mental Health First Aid training and Understanding Anxiety workshops, to help businesses address these issues. When employees feel their wellbeing is valued and supported, they are more likely to engage actively in their roles, contribute new ideas, and collaborate with colleagues to drive the business forward whether this be your designated safeguarding lead or a wellbeing champion.

Workplaces & Organisations

Increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing

Our training courses are delivered by experienced and dedicated trainers. They are passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing in Lancashire through the delivery of informative, interactive workshops and courses.

Workplace training & wellbeing

Productivity: The Ripple Effect of Wellbeing

When employees are mentally and emotionally well, they are more productive, focused, and resilient. On the other hand, poor mental health can significantly affect an employee’s ability to perform their job effectively.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 2022/2023 Report identified work-related stress, depression, and anxiety as leading causes of work absences, with 914,000 workers affected, resulting in 17 million working days lost (HSE, 2023). These figures demonstrate that ignoring mental health in the workplace leads to a substantial loss of productivity.

At Lancashire Mind, we focus on equipping employees with tools to build resilience and manage stress effectively. Our Resilience and Self-awareness Workshops help employees identify early signs of burnout, stress, or emotional fatigue, and give them practical strategies to maintain their mental fitness.

When businesses invest in such preventative measures, the benefits are clear: reduced absenteeism, improved focus, and increased productivity across teams. Employees who feel empowered to manage their wellbeing are more likely to bring their best selves to work, leading to better outcomes for the business.

Effective Leadership Starts with Wellbeing

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture. Leaders who understand the importance of wellbeing create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and heard. This is especially important when managing teams through times of change or stress. The CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey 2023 found that 75% of UK employers believe leadership behaviours have a direct impact on employee wellbeing (CIPD, 2023). Effective leadership goes beyond achieving targets; it requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting staff wellbeing.

Our Managing Mental Health in the Workplace and Suicide First Aid workshops equip managers with the knowledge and tools to address mental health concerns within their teams. By fostering open communication and recognising early signs of distress, leaders can create a culture of psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges and seeking support.

This not only improves staff morale and cohesion but also boosts overall team performance. Leaders who are attuned to their teams’ wellbeing are able to make more informed decisions, set realistic expectations, and build a culture of trust and loyalty.

Retention: The Power of Wellbeing in Staff Loyalty

Staff retention is one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses today. Replacing an employee can be both time-consuming and expensive. According to Oxford Economics (2022), the average cost to replace a single employee in the UK is £30,000, factoring in recruitment, training, and lost productivity. Additionally, businesses with high staff turnover often face difficulties maintaining consistency, which can affect overall performance and workplace morale.

A strong focus on wellbeing can significantly improve retention. Employees who feel supported and valued are far less likely to seek employment elsewhere. In fact, the CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey (2023) found that organisations with robust wellbeing policies saw a 41% improvement in retention rates (CIPD, 2023). By offering personalised wellbeing initiatives, such as 1-to-1 Wellbeing Coaching or Full Day Drop-ins, Lancashire Mind helps businesses create a workplace where employees feel genuinely supported, both personally and professionally.

In a competitive job market, retaining top talent is critical to long-term business success. Investing in wellbeing not only reduces staff turnover but also enhances the employer’s reputation, making it easier to attract skilled professionals who prioritise working in a supportive environment.

Wellbeing as a Strategic Business Decision

Businesses that invest in employee wellbeing often see a significant return on investment. According to a report by Deloitte (2022), for every £1 spent on mental health interventions, businesses see an average return of £5 through reduced presenteeism, absenteeism, and turnover. This makes it clear that wellbeing is not only a moral or ethical responsibility but also a sound business strategy.

At Lancashire Mind, our Workplace Wellbeing Services offer a variety of solutions tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. Whether it’s equipping managers with the tools to support their teams through Mental Health First Aid training or providing individualised support through 1-to-1 Coaching, our services are designed to enhance workplace culture, improve staff wellbeing, and boost overall business performance.

Making Wellbeing a Priority

Prioritising employee wellbeing is no longer optional for businesses that want to thrive. When you invest in your people’s mental, emotional, and physical health, you are investing in the future of your organisation. By taking a holistic approach to wellbeing, businesses can foster higher levels of engagement, improve productivity, develop better leaders, and retain top talent – all of which contribute to long-term success.

At Lancashire Mind, we are committed to helping businesses create healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces. Our comprehensive Workplace Wellbeing Services are designed to provide organisations with the tools and support they need to prioritise mental health and wellbeing at every level.

To find out how Lancashire Mind can support your business in building a culture of wellbeing, contact me today on gabrielleingham@lancashiremind.org.uk

Sources

(Accessed September 2024)

The Importance of Looking After Employee Wellbeing