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Promoting employee health and wellbeing is much more than a nice-to-have perk—it’s a powerful investment in your team’s long-term success. When people feel genuinely supported in both their mental and physical health, they’re more engaged, more resilient, and more likely to thrive.
Whether you’re a growing small business or an established team, prioritizing wellness creates a healthier, happier workplace where everyone benefits.
Here’s why wellbeing matters:
- Boosts Productivity and Energy
When employees feel well—physically and mentally—they have more focus, energy, and motivation throughout the day. Wellness isn’t just about preventing burnout—it’s about enabling people to do their best work. - Builds Team Spirit
Group wellness activities—like walks, wellness challenges, or even informal check-ins—create space for team members to connect outside of their usual roles. These moments help strengthen relationships, encourage collaboration, and build a more positive, inclusive team culture. - Reduces Stress
Workplace stress is one of the most common causes of burnout, absenteeism, and low morale. Offering access to wellness resources—like mental health support, flexible hours, or mindfulness tools—gives your team the support they need to manage pressure in healthy, constructive ways. A calmer mind leads to clearer decisions and a more sustainable pace.
The CIPD’s UK Working Lives survey report (2018) backs this up, identifying health and well-being as the single most important aspect of job quality. Their conclusion? “Being well is working well” It’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s a game-changer for workplace culture.
Wellbeing Ideas to Try
There are so many ways to weave wellness into the everyday culture of your business—many of them simple, affordable, and surprisingly effective. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about showing your team that their health and happiness matter.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Gym Passes and Healthy Snacks
Make it easy for employees to prioritise their physical health by offering gym discounts, fitness memberships, or access to local classes. Stocking the office with fresh fruit, healthy snacks, or herbal teas is a small gesture that sends a big message about valuing wellbeing. - Therapy Sessions, Mindfulness Workshops, and Nap Zones
Supporting mental health is just as important as physical wellness. Providing access to therapy (in person or via telehealth), holding guided mindfulness or meditation sessions, or even setting aside a quiet space for rest and decompression can help employees reset and recharge. - Recognition Programs and Fun Wellness Challenges
Celebrate wellness as a team. Try light-hearted challenges like “Take the Stairs Week,” “Vegan Mondays,” or “Stretch Break Bingo.” These fun, inclusive activities build camaraderie, encourage healthy habits, and create a more vibrant, positive work environment. Pair them with a recognition program to celebrate small wins and encourage participation. - Free Eye Tests and Health Insurance Programs
Preventative care goes a long way. Offering access to free or subsidised eye tests, dental check-ups, or private health insurance options helps employees stay on top of their health and shows that you’re invested in their long-term wellbeing. - Flexible Work Arrangements
Offering flexible hours or the option to work from home (even part of the week) can significantly reduce stress and help people manage their personal responsibilities. Flexibility empowers employees to work in ways that suit their lives and fosters greater loyalty and trust. - Technology and Wellness Apps
Wellness tools don’t have to be complicated. Consider offering access to health-focused apps that track steps, support meditation, or provide mental health check-ins. Company subscriptions to apps like Calm, Headspace, or fitness platforms can make wellness support available anywhere, anytime.
But if organizations are serious about improving people’s well-being, they need to dig deep. It’s not just about surface-level perks. The CIPD survey points out that unmanageable workloads are by far the greatest cause of stress at work. So, tackling these root problems? That’s where the real magic happens.
Real-World Wellness in Action
Let’s take a look at how one organization is getting it right. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) introduced its “Live well. Work well” (Lw.Ww) programme in April 2015, aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles in the workplace. It covers a range of areas including healthy eating, physical activity, mental wellbeing, and positive habit changes.
Some of the initiatives include:
- “On Your Feet Friday” and “Get on Your Bike” to encourage physical activity
- “Worry Less, Do More” and “Time to Talk” to promote conversations around mental health
- Lunchtime walks to Primrose Hill to support wellbeing through movement and fresh air
Crucially, these initiatives demonstrate that supporting employee wellbeing doesn’t have to involve large-scale or costly programmes. As this example shows, small, thoughtful actions can lead to meaningful improvements.
It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about embedding wellbeing into the everyday culture of work.
The Impact of Workplace Wellness
As we look ahead, it’s clear that prioritizing employee wellbeing is becoming essential. A recent APA report revealed that 60% of employees felt work-related stress negatively affected their mental health. In response, many companies are stepping up with initiatives like mental health days and stress management resources.
Moreover, organizations that genuinely invest in wellness see tangible benefits: stronger team cultures, reduced absenteeism, and happier employees overall.
To truly create a supportive environment, companies should consider diverse wellness programs that cater to all employees’ needs. This includes offering mental health & first aid training, gathering regular feedback on wellness initiatives, and forging partnerships with local health organizations for additional resources.
In short, when workplaces prioritize wellbeing, everyone wins—employees feel valued and supported, leading to improved morale and productivity. So why not take the plunge? Investing in your team’s health is not just good for them; it’s good for business too!
