5 things to know about hybrid working and staff wellbeing
Employee expectations have shifted and supporting staff wellbeing in a hybrid working environment is presenting a whole new set of challenges. In light of new research from here are five things that have been learnt so far in this new era.
1. Responsibility is shifting onto the employer
According to a new survey by Censuswide, a resounding 82% of UK office workers surveyed believe companies have a greater responsibility to support the mental health and physical wellbeing of their staff after the Covid-19 pandemic.
This research shows that 77% of UK workers say that having an employer that cares about their physical and mental health has become more important since Covid-19 hit.
2. If employees don’t like what they see, they will leave
With UK unemployment at a 48-year low and employees reappraising their goals, values and aspirations during lockdown, it’s clear staff are increasingly willing to vote with their feet if they don’t like what they see.
Fuelling this ‘Great Resignation’ is a shift in employee attitude that has seen expectations change around work-life balance, alongside employee benefits packages that provide a range of useful wellness tools.
The latest research from Vitality finds that 45% of UK office workers would be more likely to consider leaving to join another company which is putting employee health and wellbeing first as part of a hybrid-working approach.
3. Flexible working is most appealing
The survey of more than 2,000 UK office workers also finds flexible working (66%) is the most appealing health and wellbeing benefit an employer could offer their employees, followed by the ability to work anywhere (50%).
The next most attractive is the provision of more than the statutory holiday allowance (40%), vouchers or cash to spend on health and wellness (39%), and access to private healthcare (37%).
4. Employers are responding, but need to do more
As part of a survey by CBI Economics, C-Suite executives revealed that three quarters of firms say their company has prioritised health and wellbeing since the pandemic.
Additionally, the research finds that 57% of businesses report that access to mental health resources, like counselling or apps, remain the most-commonly introduced or evolved support for employee health in hybrid and office environments.
Alarmingly though, more than two-fifths (42%) surveyed either do not include employee health and wellbeing on their company risk register or do not have a risk register in place. Over a quarter said they don’t currently measure employee health and wellbeing at all.
5. Supporting staff wellbeing is key to unlocking productivity
The new CBI Economics research also found that companies introducing these wellbeing measures are perceiving a tangible return on investment.
Almost seven in 10 businesses see increased productivity as a main benefit of introducing or enhancing their health and wellbeing policies. Furthermore, previous CBI research found that businesses that invest in mental health have employees that are up to 12% more productive.
However, as the new CBI Economics research shows, 59% of businesses are finding it difficult to tailor benefits and policies to ensure they meet the health and wellbeing needs of different employees. Just over one-third (36%) of businesses said they don’t have enough time or resources to dedicate to supporting health and wellbeing and 32% said that introducing new policies for a hybrid workforce was complicated.
This is where an evidence-based health promotion programme, which incentivises and rewards better lifestyle choices, can make a big difference. This is particularly true if it means employees can cut costs on things they’d rather not give up – such as gym memberships, new running shoes and other discounted services – at a time when finances are likely to be tight. What’s clear is that helping staff to live healthier and more productive lives - while feeling like they are getting something back from employers - is needed more than ever.
To get deeper insight into the employee health and wellbeing of your organisation, why not take part in Britain’s Healthiest Workplace? Find out more.
Learn more about how Vitality can support the health and wellbeing of your business here.
In partnership with Vitality
At Vitality, we take a unique approach to insurance. As well as providing high-quality comprehensive cover, we provide a complete wellness package that can help boost employee engagement and productivity.
