Workplace Wellbeing Strategies: Creating a Workplace Culture Where Wellbeing Matters
Workplace wellbeing is no longer a “nice-to-have” - it’s a strategic imperative. In 2025, UK employees took an average of 9.4 sickness absence days, up from 7.8 in 2023 (1), costing the economy an estimated £150 billion annually (2). With 2.8 million people inactive due to long-term health conditions, businesses must act decisively to protect their workforce.
Encouragingly, 74% of employers now say senior leaders prioritise wellbeing, up from 61% two years ago. This shift reflects growing awareness of mental health as a core business issue.
What Is Workplace Wellbeing?
Workplace wellbeing includes physical, mental, and social health. When employees feel safe, supported, and valued, they’re more engaged, productive, and loyal.
Benefits of a strong wellbeing culture:
Reduced stress and burnout
Lower staff turnover
Fewer musculoskeletal disorders
Enhanced employer reputation
Improved recruitment and retention
In competitive labour markets, businesses that invest in wellbeing stand out.
Mental Health: The Leading Cause of Workplace Absence
Mental ill health is now the top cause of both short- and long-term absence in the UK. One in four people experience a mental health issue each year, yet stigma still prevents many from seeking help.
Employers can make a difference by:
Acknowledging mental health openly
Encouraging conversations around wellbeing
Offering early support to prevent escalation
Even a single day off to recover can prevent longer absences and improve outcomes.
Remote Work and Mental Health: Supporting Hybrid Teams
Remote and hybrid working offer flexibility, but also pose risks. According to the CIPD, 30% of remote workers report loneliness, and many struggle to switch off.
Strategies to support remote wellbeing:
Schedule regular team check-ins
Create online peer support groups
Set clear boundaries around availability
Provide confidential access to wellbeing resources
Small gestures, like asking about someone’s evening, can have a big impact.
Workplace Wellbeing Strategies for 2026: Practical Steps for Employers
To build a resilient workforce, employers should:
Lead from the top - Senior leaders must visibly champion wellbeing and allocate budget for support.
Train your managers - Equip line managers to spot and respond to mental health issues. A single conversation can change outcomes.
Offer flexibility - Hybrid models help employees balance work and life.
Provide accessible resources - Make counselling, financial advice, and physical health programmes easy to access and confidential.
Foster peer support - Mentorship and buddy systems reduce isolation and build cross-functional relationships.
Monitor and adapt - Use surveys and feedback to refine your wellbeing strategy.
Embed Wellbeing into Your Safety Culture with IOSH Training
Want to empower your managers to support mental health effectively? Our IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing course is designed for that.
This one-day, IOSH-accredited course helps managers:
Assess health risks
Support return-to-work plans
Build a culture where wellbeing is valued
By investing in manager training, you’ll reduce absence, boost productivity, and show genuine care for your team.
Ready to Take Action?
📞 Speak to our team about in-house or bespoke training.
📥 Download our guide to workplace wellbeing strategies.
📅 Book your IOSH course today and start building a healthier workplace.