As the UK faces rising living costs and the rapid development of generative AI, employees wellbeing is under pressure. It’s no surprise, then, that traditional wellness benefits are proving insufficient to meet the growing needs of a modern workforce.
According to the most recent Human Workplace Index (HWI) research by Workhuman, more than half (51%) of UK employees say their employer offers wellness benefits such as a gym membership or in-office wellness space, but fewer than one in three believe these benefits actually help to improve their wellbeing. And this can lead to real business ramifications, with the cost of voluntary employee turnover due to burnout alone amounting to 15% to 20% of payroll budget each year.
Additional research by mental health non-profit, Mind Share Partners, also revealed that UK workers are looking for more than traditional health benefits and self-care apps, and 58% of the workers surveyed rated a positive work culture as “very or extremely helpful” for their mental health, compared to only 35% who felt the same about self-care resources.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as people working in companies that have a positive corporate culture are healthier, happier, more productive, and less likely to leave, per Harvard Department of Continuing Education,
So, if employees reported that wellness perks aren’t enough to foster their wellbeing, and a positive culture is what can move the needle, what can organisations do to achieve it?
Creating a positive culture of appreciation
Workhuman’s UK HWI research shows that the most important factor in creating a positive workplace culture is being appreciated and recognised for your contributions. With nearly one in four UK employees admitting to feeling burnt out at work, a lack of recognition and clear communication still seem commonplace in the modern workplace.
To create a workplace culture of appreciation and recognition – and reap the benefits of a happier and more engaged workforce – employers must ensure recognition is fully embedded into the culture across the business.
One way to achieve this is through implementing a formalised employee recognition programme. A company-wide, peer-to-peer recognition programme allows employees and managers alike to recognise and reward each other across all departments and levels of seniority within the organisation. Not limiting recognition to managers or senior leaders fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, as all employees are empowered to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s efforts.
When recognition is embedded in company culture, it helps companies to improve overall employee wellbeing. Gallup research shows that employees who receive the right amount of recognition for their work are about 40% less likely to report feelings of stress, worry and sadness.
It also fosters a stronger connection between employees and their organisation, with seven in ten employees strongly agreeing that they feel more bonded to their company’s culture when recognition is part of it. Employees who feel connected are also 68% less likely to feel burned out at work, demonstrating real benefits for both employee and employer.
Recognising the whole employee
Employers should also look to celebrate employee achievements outside of work – recognising them as a whole human and not solely for their work. Whether it’s shared interests, volunteer work, or milestone moments, celebrating these – known as community celebrations – shows employees that they are appreciated and recognised for their valuable contributions above and beyond their daily responsibilities.
There are technology tools that allow organisations to bridge the physical and virtual divide, enabling employees to celebrate these moments. This makes recognition accessible to remote workers or in-office employees. Some solutions can even integrate with existing communication and collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams, making it easier for employees to recognise one another within the workflows they already use.
By highlighting collective successes and individual contributions like volunteer projects, CSR initiatives, employee resource groups, and cultural events, community celebrations help to cultivate a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. It all goes back to building connections and a positive workplace culture where employee wellbeing will thrive as a result.
Beyond wellbeing perks: recognising the humans behind work
It’s no secret that recognising and rewarding employees for good work leads to business benefits – from increased employee engagement and productivity to overall wellbeing. But many employers are still missing a trick when it comes to employee recognition – and that comes in the form of embedding recognition into company culture and recognising the whole employee.
It’s clear that moving beyond traditional wellness perks and embedding gratitude and recognition into the company culture is not just a nicety but a necessity for fostering true employee wellbeing.
By adopting a holistic approach that values and celebrates employees for both their professional contributions and personal achievements, organisations can build a thriving, positive workplace where everyone feels valued and engaged. This shift doesn’t just benefit employees—it drives productivity, reduces turnover, and ultimately leads to a healthier, happier, and more successful organisation.
Emily Miller
Based in the UK, Emily is responsible for overseeing and expanding Workhuman's sales team in the EMEA region. Emily is an experienced leader with a track record of overachieving revenue targets and leading high-performing teams within the tech and professional services industry. She has built and directed teams to success across a wide range of products, channels, and regions, launching, integrating, and scaling businesses to achieve healthy growth.
