Almost half (47%) of employers in the group risk sector report increased productivity when their employees’ health and wellbeing is supported, according to research from Grid the industry body for the group risk sector.
The research said 63% of employers measure the impact to their business of supporting the health and wellbeing of their staff, according to research1 from Grid the industry body for the group risk sector.
The employer research was undertaken by Opinium from 7 to 15 January 2025 among 500 human resource (HR) decision makers from UK companies.
The research also found that 98% of employers who measure the impact of supporting the health and wellbeing of staff, report that it has a positive impact on their business.
Additionally, 42% of employers said measuring the impact demonstrates to employees that the business cares about them, and that engenders loyalty and engagement.
And 41% agree that supporting health and wellbeing holistically helps them manage absence as it can mitigate the number and length of absences and mean quicker returns to work.
A total of 38% believe that they are more likely to succeed financially as a business when their employees are fit and healthy.
A similar percentage – 37% – state that supporting staff, including their health and wellbeing, is integral to their company ethos and helps fulfil business objectives.
And a third (33%) have seen a positive return on investment or positive financial impact.
Another third (32%) think that it helps differentiate them from their competitors, which helps recruit and retain employees.
And 31% said that potential clients are interested in how well their company looks after staff, and that having a good policy in place helps them win clients.
Against the backdrop of this research, Grid has encouraged those employers who do not currently measure the impact of supporting staff to start doing so, as they may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Supporting staff is, and always will be, good for business, but Grid notes that it’s interesting that HR decision makers report such an extensive variety of advantages to their organisations.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Grid (pictured) said: “Supporting the wellbeing of staff is a virtuous circle: staff are more likely to remain in the business and work more productively.
“This in turn means that the business is financially successful, but also seen to be having a positive impact in other areas, which in turn attracts new clients and new staff.
“With business purse-strings now tighter than ever, measuring the impact of supporting staff has never been more important to help HR departments retain their benefits budget and look after their people.”