Unlocking Employee Wellbeing: Insights from Britain's Healthiest Workplace Survey

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, where work-life balance is often a challenge, prioritising employee wellbeing has become more crucial than ever. Britain's Healthiest Workplace survey provides valuable insights into the health and wellbeing of employees across the UK. In this blog post, we delve into the latest data from the survey to understand the current state of workplace health, the impact of hybrid working, the challenges faced by younger employees, and the importance of making support interventions accessible to all employees.

The Picture of the UK's Workplace Health

The data from Britain's Healthiest Workplace survey offers a comprehensive view of the UK's workplace health. One concerning trend revealed by the survey is the decline in productivity since 2014. Businesses are losing significant hours each year per employee, with employees losing an average of 49.7 productive days annually. This decline is more pronounced among lower-income and younger workers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to boost productivity and overall wellbeing.

Hybrid Workers: Thriving in the New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we work, with hybrid working models becoming increasingly prevalent. The survey findings indicate that hybrid workers have emerged as frontrunners in terms of wellbeing. They exhibit lower loss of productive days, are more physically active, less likely to be obese, and enjoy better sleep quality compared to office-based or full-time remote workers. Moreover, hybrid workers report better mental health outcomes, with lower rates of depression and burnout.

Challenges Faced by Younger Employees

While hybrid workers seem to be thriving, younger employees are facing unique challenges in adapting to the evolving workplace landscape. The survey highlights that younger employees are more susceptible to depression, financial stress, and job dissatisfaction. Additionally, employees under 35 are losing almost half of their productive time due to absence and presenteeism compared to their older counterparts. Addressing the specific needs of younger employees is imperative for fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Raising Awareness of Support Interventions

Organisations participating in Britain's Healthiest Workplace offer a range of health interventions to support employee wellbeing. However, there is a gap in awareness and utilisation of these interventions among employees. On average, organisations provide 47 health interventions, but employees are only aware of 70% of them and utilise just 25%. Encouraging employees to make use of available support services can lead to improved health outcomes, as evidenced by 85% of employees reporting health improvements when engaging with interventions.

Insights from the Financial Times Report

For a more in-depth analysis of the findings from Britain's Healthiest Workplace survey, the full 2023 report published by the Financial Times is a valuable resource. The report sheds light on key trends, best practices, and recommendations for enhancing employee wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. It serves as a comprehensive guide for organisations looking to prioritise employee health and build a thriving workforce.

Conclusion

Employee wellbeing is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental aspect of creating a healthy and productive work environment. The insights gleaned from Britain's Healthiest Workplace survey underscore the importance of prioritising employee health, especially in today's dynamic work landscape. By addressing productivity challenges, supporting younger employees, promoting awareness of support interventions, and embracing hybrid working models, organisations can cultivate a culture of wellbeing that benefits both employees and the business as a whole.

In conclusion, fostering a culture of wellbeing is a shared responsibility that requires proactive measures, continuous support, and a commitment to prioritising employee health. By leveraging the insights from Britain's Healthiest Workplace survey, organisations can take meaningful steps towards unlocking the full potential of their workforce and creating a workplace where employees thrive.