The complex mix of factors that influence employee wellbeing means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to providing the right support, but there are core actions that all organisations can take to start making a positive impact and empowering their workforce.
Understand your workforce’s needs
It’s imperative that you gain an accurate picture of your workforce’s current state of wellbeing, using surveys and questionnaires to capture actionable data. This will give you a clearer understanding of what impediments to wellbeing your people are facing – including those from certain demographics and age groups – allowing you to formulate more purposeful, targeted wellbeing initiatives that employees are more likely to engage with, and which meet their wants and needs.
Provide health and financial wellbeing experts
Our survey results highlight the need to provide employees with a medium where they can share their wellbeing experiences in a safe space and anonymously seek out expert advice should they need it. Digital employee health platforms – such as Sonder, who we’re partnered with at Hays – are an effective way of supporting physical and mental health while providing anonymity. Financial education shouldn’t be ignored either; specialist providers, like our partners at FinWell, can empower employees with the knowledge and tools to improve financial wellbeing. With financial stress cited as a concern among staff, offering robust financial wellbeing support can also play a critical role in retaining talent – particularly among younger professionals and those facing cost-of-living pressures.
Offer flexible options
Implementing flexibility, wherever feasible, could have an immediate positive impact on your employees’ wellbeing and can help with staff retention in the long run. The opportunity to work in a flexible way is a popular benefit for many professionals, and our research shows that the vast majority of those working in a hybrid way believe doing so positively impacts their wellbeing. A healthy work-life balance is a core tenet of positive wellbeing, and introducing flexible ways of working – whether that be via flexible hours or a hybrid working pattern – could help alleviate some of the stressors associated with work. And for certain demographics, the positive impact of flexible working options could be amplified.
Embed wellbeing across the hiring process
With 39% of professionals having left a role due to inadequate wellbeing support, there’s a clear opportunity to attract candidates through dedicated and clearly sign-posted wellbeing incentives. However, only 30% of employers currently discuss wellbeing during recruitment stages. Employers should therefore embed wellbeing into their employee value proposition and hiring processes by clearly communicating wellbeing commitments in job adverts, careers pages and interviews. Hiring managers should also be equipped to discuss wellbeing offerings confidently, while employee testimonials and case studies can bring these commitments to life.
Positive wellbeing can look different for each individual, but there are some essentials that all professionals should consider.
Getting enough rest
While easier said than done, ensuring that you’re getting adequate rest is crucial to maintaining a productive and healthy relationship with work. This includes taking breaks, regular movement and hydration, setting boundaries to protect evenings and weekends, and resisting the temptation to check in when you take annual leave.
Practicing self-awareness
Self-awareness is essential for maintaining and enhancing wellbeing, enabling professionals to identify what truly supports their performance, motivation, and mental health. When you understand your personal drivers for wellbeing – whether it's autonomy, regular exercise, prioritising sleep, collaboration, or quiet focus – you can define your non-negotiables and prioritise them. This clarity becomes especially powerful during high-pressure periods, helping you make intentional choices that protect your energy and resilience. Without self-awareness, you're more likely to overlook what you need most, leading to burnout or disengagement.
Seeking professional guidance
Reaching out for professional help when you're struggling with your mental wellbeing is just as important as seeing a doctor for a physical health issue. Mental health challenges can affect every part of your life – your relationships, work, sleep, and even your physical health. Just like a broken bone needs proper treatment to heal, emotional and psychological struggles often require expert support to manage and recover from. Mental health professionals are trained to help you understand what you're going through and guide you toward effective strategies and treatments. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and sometimes it's a vital step toward feeling better and living a healthier, more productive life.
Evaluating wellbeing during your job search
Considering that 39% of professionals have left a role due to inadequate wellbeing support, it’s important to assess an employer’s commitment before accepting a new role. Evaluate job adverts, careers pages, and company values – do they mention wellbeing, and if so, is it holistic, covering mental, physical, social and financial aspects? Explore whether leaders speak about wellbeing publicly, and pay attention to how it’s discussed during interviews. Don’t hesitate to ask questions such as: “How does your organisation support employee wellbeing?” or “Can you share examples of wellbeing initiatives in place?” These conversations can help you gauge whether wellbeing is embedded in the culture or simply a box-ticking exercise.