Employee wellbeing isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ anymore. It’s essential for business success. Supporting the mental and physical health of your team boosts productivity, reduces absenteeism, and enhances your organisation’s reputation.
Workplace wellbeing issues come in many forms, all of which can harm performance. Stress and burnout are increasingly common, with 63% of UK employees showing signs of burnout – up from 51% two years ago (MHFA England). This is often caused by heavy workloads or unrealistic deadlines, leaving employees exhausted and disengaged.
Mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, are now leading causes of absenteeism, contributing to 17.1 million lost working days in 2022/23 (Mental Health Foundation). Poor mental health costs UK employers an estimated £51 billion annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and staff turnover (Deloitte).
Physical health issues, like poor ergonomics or repetitive strain injuries, can lead to long-term problems, further impacting performance. Approximately one in four UK employees reported having a physical health condition (gov.uk), and musculoskeletal disorders alone accounted for 7.8 million lost working days in 2024 (HSE).
Meanwhile, poor work-life balance is a major concern, with 25% of UK workers feeling unable to cope with workplace stress (MHFA England). Rigid or high-pressure environments, in particular, can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and disengaged.
When morale dips, so does productivity, engagement, and overall business performance.
Practical actions that make a difference
Investing in workplace wellbeing doesn’t have to be complex or costly. Here are practical, proven actions any business can take:
- Leadership and culture. Lead by example. Encourage open conversations and provide platforms for feedback and suggestions.
- Flexible working. Offer flexible hours or remote options to support work-life balance.
- Workload management. Monitor workloads and redistribute tasks where needed to avoid burnout.
- Social connections. Organise team-building activities or informal gatherings to foster a sense of community.
- Mental health support. Provide access to counselling, mental health first aiders, and mindfulness or resilience-building programmes.
- Physical wellbeing. Promote movement through ergonomic setups, wellness activities, and wellbeing programmes.
- Recognition and feedback. Regularly recognise achievements and conduct wellbeing surveys or performance check-ins to stay in tune with employee needs.
How management systems can support workplace wellbeing
Management systems provide structure to implement the practical steps and embed wellbeing into everyday operations. Some of these standards include:
- ISO 9001. Feedback and review processes in quality management can incorporate wellbeing concerns, proactively addressing issues like workplace stress and burnout as part of a broader commitment to improving organisational and employee performance.
- ISO 45001. This international standard focuses on creating safer, healthier workplaces by reducing physical risks and psychosocial hazards (such as stress, burnout, and mental health concerns), which directly supports employee wellbeing.
- ISO 14001. By addressing environmental concerns like pollution, waste management, and resource conservation, this environmental standard can contribute to a safer and healthier workplace for employees.
Healthier, happier employees are more engaged, productive, and loyal. Companies with a strong focus on wellbeing report fewer absences, higher retention rates, and an edge in attracting top talent. This all helps them stay productive and competitive.
Investing in wellbeing isn’t just good for your employees; it’s a smart, sustainable business strategy.
