The importance of prioritising employee well-being

As an HR recruitment agency, Macmillan Davies has a deep understanding of what it takes to create thriving workplaces. Ant Coen, Principal Consultant at Macmillan Davies shares his first-hand experience of seeing the critical importance of employee well-being in attracting and retaining top HR talent. The recent report by Great Place To Work on the state of employee well-being in the UK sheds light on the evolving expectations employees have from their employers, and it’s a conversation that needs urgent attention.

The growing demand for well-being support

Employee well-being has always been central to creating a positive work environment, but it’s now more crucial than ever. According to Great Place To Work's Trust Index Survey - The State of Employee Well-being in the Workplace Report 2024, only 55% of employees in the UK feel that their organisations genuinely prioritise their well-being.

“This statistic is a wake-up call for HR leaders and employers alike” says Ant. “There is a clear gap between what employees need and what they feel they are receiving. Well-being is a holistic concept that goes beyond the surface-level perks we often see advertised. It’s about mental and physical health, social connections, and financial stability. It’s about creating an environment where employees can bring their best selves to work, every day.”

“Well-being in personal and what works for one person, won’t work for another. For me, over the last 25 years, I have been fortunate to be able to weight train and use the gym regularly. This has helped so much with my mental health and overall well-being, particularly in moments of stress and grief, or when I have needed a break to clear my thoughts. Having this routine has been a lifesaver and it goes beyond just being an aesthetics. It has helped me improve resilience and performance both in and out of work.”

The stress epidemic among frontline managers

One of the most concerning findings from the report is the high levels of stress reported across all sectors, particularly among frontline managers. With only 37% of frontline managers saying that their jobs do not cause excessive stress, it’s clear that this group is struggling. The combination of managing teams, handling excessive workloads, and meeting performance demands is taking a significant toll on their well-being.

This is particularly relevant in HR, where frontline managers are often responsible for both the strategic and operational aspects of people management. The stress they experience not only affects their own well-being but can also ripple out to impact their teams and overall workplace culture.

Retention risks and the role of well-being

The report also highlights a worrying trend: 3s are frequently considering leaving their current jobs – a factor which Ant believes employers need to pay critical attention to; “With 45% of employees not looking forward to coming to work, it’s clear that well-being plays a critical role in retention. In HR, where the competition for top talent is fierce, ensuring that employees feel valued and supported is key to keeping them engaged and committed.”

“Employees who experience high levels of well-being are three times more likely to stay with their employer according to the data. This statistic underscores the importance of prioritising well-being not just as a benefit, but as a core part of your people strategy.”

What employees really want

The report’s analysis of employee feedback offers valuable insights into what truly enhances wellbeing. It’s not just about offering perks and wellness programs—employees are looking for more meaningful support:

• Work-life balance & hybrid working: Flexibility in how and where people work is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation.
• Workload, resourcing & processes: Employees want to feel that their workload is manageable and that they have the resources to succeed.
• People management: Effective leadership and supportive management practices are crucial for fostering a positive work environment.
• Pay & financial security: Fair compensation and financial stability remain fundamental to employee well-being.
• Benefits & well-being programmes: While traditional benefits are still important, they need to be part of a broader strategy that genuinely supports employees' overall well-being.

Creating a thriving workplace

As Sara Silvonen from Great Place To Work UK aptly put it, “Looking after employees' well-being should be much more integrative than a package of impressive perks.” It’s about creating an environment where engagement, trust, and a sense of purpose are woven into the fabric of the organisation.

At Macmillan Davies, we believe that by prioritising these elements in role design, workplace culture, and leadership practices, employers can not only enhance employee well-being but also drive productivity and long-term commitment. For HR professionals, this means advocating for and implementing strategies that address these core needs, ensuring that well-being becomes a foundational element of the workplace.

For those interested in exploring the full report, we highly recommend it as essential reading for any HR leader committed to fostering a thriving work environment. You can access it here: The State of Employee Well-being in the Workplace Report 2024.

Upcoming events

We have a series of roundtables and webinars coming up on hot HR topics, give us a follow-on LinkedIn or contact Ant Coen to be kept updated on the dates for our next event.

Get in touch

Should you wish to have a confidential chat with Ant Coen to discuss the current HR market and where we can help with inclusive recruitment or your search for work/recruiting into your team, please contact him directly at acoen@mdhr.co.uk

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