World Mental Health Day: Employee wellbeing tops priority list

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Joanne Swann
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Over eight in ten (83%) businesses in the UK report a rise in employees requesting more wellbeing benefits in the workplace. The research marks World Mental Health Day (10th October) and demonstrates the growing importance employees are placing on wellbeing benefits as part of their total remuneration package as these perks become a top priority for the workforce.

According to the new research from employee benefits technology company Zest, businesses are putting increasing emphasis on catering to employee demands for wellbeing benefits – over seven in ten businesses (71%) have introduced a Head of Wellbeing role or equivalent. A key aspect of these roles will be communicating with employees over their wellbeing needs – their workforce is likely to be highly engaged on this issue as nine in ten (89%) employers say that their employees are now more likely to discuss wellbeing at work.

However, despite the growing awareness of the needs of employees for more wellbeing benefits options, there is still room for improvement. For example, less than a fifth (19%) of businesses currently offer employees a wellbeing allowance as part of their benefits package.

By not investing in their wellbeing benefits packages in a challenging hiring landscape, businesses are in danger of losing out on talent, impacting growth plans competitiveness.

Despite 82% of businesses investing more in their wellbeing benefits offer, six in ten (57%) admit that employee wellbeing is at an all-time low, demonstrating a clear need for employers to develop these packages even further.

Popular wellbeing benefits

Paid mental health leave is UK employers’ most popular wellbeing benefit, with nearly a quarter (24%) of businesses offering this. Other popular options include:

  • Cycle to work schemes – offered by 23% of employers
  • Mindfulness programmes –21%
  • Menopause support – 17%

Matt Russell, CEO at Zest, said: 

Employers not investing in their benefits packages will struggle to keep pace as the wellbeing revolution continues to accelerate. They risk being left behind by competitors and could face a real struggle to attract and retain key talent if they don’t listen to the demands of their workforce.

Matt Russell, CEO at Zest

On this World Mental Health Day, it is imperative for employers to acknowledge that investing in employee wellbeing is not just a moral obligation but a strategic imperative. A healthy, happy workforce is more productive, engaged, and better equipped to weather challenges. By proactively addressing mental health needs and offering comprehensive wellbeing benefits, businesses can position themselves as employers of choice, attract top talent, and ultimately thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

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