An increase in UK employers measuring staff well-being impact indicates growing recognition of its importance.
- In 2024, 76% of UK employers are quantifying the benefits of health and well-being support, up from 51% in 2023.
- Employers find measuring impacts essential for adapting health benefits and improving staff outcomes.
- Almost all (99%) employers agree that staff well-being positively impacts business performance.
- Challenges such as affordability and business buy-in continue to hinder effective health support implementation.
An increase in the number of UK employers measuring the impact of health and well-being support for their staff signifies a shift in prioritizing employee welfare. In 2024, 76% of employers compared to 51% in 2023, now recognize the importance of quantifying the benefits associated with such support, according to research by GRiD, an industry body for the group risk sector.
Employers measuring these impacts have noted several benefits, including a positive return on investment (ROI) and increased productivity. Specifically, 43% of the surveyed employers reported a positive financial impact, while another 43% observed enhanced productivity levels. A substantial 42% believe that supporting health and well-being fosters loyalty and engagement among staff.
Moreover, 42% of employers see health and well-being support as integral to their ethos, helping them achieve their business objectives. Another 41% consider it a point of differentiation from competitors, enhancing recruitment and retention efforts. Holistically, 39% recognize that such support aids in managing absences, allowing for quicker staff returns.
Katharine Moxham, a GRiD spokesperson, highlighted that businesses not measuring these impacts might struggle against competitors. She stated, “Businesses that are not measuring the impact of supporting the health and well-being of their staff are now in the minority and that could mean they may struggle to keep up with their competitors.”
Despite recognizing these benefits, 38% of HR professionals reported battling affordability issues, as budgets usually cater to other business needs. Additionally, nearly a third (31%) struggle with obtaining business buy-in that supports the necessity for health and well-being initiatives.
GRiD noted that building a business case for staff support necessitates both quantitative and qualitative data, underlining the importance of measuring existing support to secure future resources and budget allocations.
Measuring the impact of health and well-being initiatives is crucial for both employee welfare and business success, despite ongoing challenges in implementation.
