Given the complex combination of factors that influence employee wellbeing, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to providing the right support. That said, there are core actions that all organisations can take to begin making a positive impact and empower their people.
Understand your workforce’s needs
It’s vital that you gain an accurate picture of your workforce’s current state of wellbeing. Using surveys and questionnaires can be a good way to capture this information by means of tangible data. This will give you a clearer understanding of what obstacles to wellbeing your employees are facing – including those from certain demographics – allowing you to formulate more purposeful, targeted wellbeing initiatives that employees are more likely to engage with, and which better meet their wants and needs.
Provide health and financial wellbeing experts
Our findings bring to light the need to provide employees with a medium in which they can share their wellbeing experiences in a safe environment and anonymously seek out expert advice if needed. 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 overlooked 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. A healthy work-life balance is a core aspect of positive wellbeing, and introducing flexible ways of working – such as flexible hours or a hybrid working pattern – could help alleviate some of the stressors commonly associated with work. And for certain demographics and groups with protected characteristics, the positive impact of flexible working options could be amplified.
Embed wellbeing across the hiring process
With just under half of professionals having left a role due to inadequate wellbeing support, there’s a clear opportunity for organisations to attract candidates through dedicated and clearly sign-posted wellbeing incentives. However, only a third 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 trained so they feel equipped to discuss wellbeing offerings confidently, while employee testimonials and case studies can bring these commitments to life for prospective candidates.
Positive wellbeing looks different for every individual, but there are some essential considerations that all professionals should be aware of.
Make sure you’re getting sufficient rest
While easier said than done, ensuring that you’re getting enough rest is important for maintaining a productive and healthy relationship with work. This includes taking breaks throughout the workday, regular movement, ample hydration, setting boundaries to protect evenings and weekends, and resisting the temptation to check in when you take annual leave.
Practice self-awareness
Self-awareness is essential for maintaining and boosting wellbeing, enabling you to better identify what supports your performance, motivation, and mental health. When you understand your personal drivers for wellbeing – whether it's autonomy, regular exercise, a healthy sleep schedule, 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, resilience, and stress levels. Without self-awareness, you're more likely to overlook what you need most, potentially leading to pronounced feelings of stress, burnout, or disengagement.
Seek professional guidance if needed
Recognising when you're struggling with your mental wellbeing and reaching out for professional help is just as important as seeing a doctor for a physical health issue. Just as a broken bone needs treatment from a trained professional to be able to properly heal, emotional and psychological struggles may also 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.
Mental health challenges can negatively impact every part of your life – your relationships, work, sleep, and even your physical health – so don’t suffer in silence. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and sometimes it's a vital step toward feeling better and living a healthier, happier, and more productive life.
Evaluate wellbeing during your job search
Considering that nearly half 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. Take the time to evaluate job adverts, careers pages, and company values in detail – do they mention wellbeing, and if so, is it holistic, covering mental, physical, social and financial aspects? Check to see 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?” during interviews. These conversations can help you gauge whether wellbeing is truly embedded in the culture or simply a box-ticking exercise.