Gethin Nadin has chaired his first session of the policy liaison group (PLG) on workplace wellbeing in Westminster.
Nadin (pictured), the chief innovation officer at Benefex, has previously held a similar role at Zellis and is an executive fellow at King’s Business School and HR author.
The group has been set up to address critical issues facing the UK workforce and brings together parliamentarians, industry stakeholders, and charities to drive consensus, deliver policy recommendations, and support effective government action that enhances wellbeing in the workplace across the UK.
Through regular roundtables in Westminster, the PLG will facilitate direct dialogue between diverse stakeholders and government officials.
These discussions will aim to build consensus on the policies and approaches needed to roll out effective well-being initiatives across the country to the benefit not only of workers but also employers through higher productivity and ultimately, the UK economy.
Nadin is supported by an advisory board made up of fellow worker wellbeing thought leaders, service providers dealing directly with mental health and financial wellbeing challenges, and larger employers who recognise the importance of taking care of staff needs.
Nadin said: “We’re in a transformative decade where the influence of the workplace will reshape our society. By forging strong partnerships with government and prioritising employee wellbeing, British employers hold the key to unlocking economic recovery and growth.
“The PLG will not only raise awareness of the importance of higher quality workplaces designed with wellbeing in mind, but will ensure that employers get the opportunity to contribute to Westminster decision-making and where possible, encourage the government to better support organisations to meet these new challenges and opportunities.
“The work of the PLG will not only benefit employers, but by supporting Labour’s Back to Work plans, has the potential to propel our nation forward. Let’s seize this opportunity to create a future where businesses and employees thrive, leading to a stronger, healthier, and a more prosperous UK for all.”
Michelle Sutton, advisory board member, and head of rewards and pensions at Suez, said: “As we bring together industry experts, parliamentarians, and corporate leaders, we’re creating a powerful platform to address all aspects of employee wellness. With a new government in place, there’s an opportunity to shape policies that could transform workplace wellbeing on a national scale. From mental health support to work-life balance initiatives, the potential for positive change is enormous.”
Maria Paviour, advisory board member, author, and chief occupational psychologist and executive officer at Cari, said: “Prioritising wellbeing isn’t just about supporting employees—it’s essential for business success and a healthy organisational culture.
“With over 30 years of experience as an occupational psychologist, I’m passionate about advocating for these changes and ensuring that wellbeing remains at the heart of workplace policies.”
Emily Trant, advisory board member, and chief impact officer at Wagestream, said: “The PLG on Workplace Wellbeing will help to connect ministers with employer voices and lived experience on topics like pensions reform, auto-enrolment savings and financial exclusion.
“Through collaboration with policymakers we can create lasting impact on employee financial wellbeing, by contributing to decision-making in Westminster that’s good for both businesses and people.”
Kelly Swingler, advisory board member, and The Burnoutologist, author and keynote speaker, said: “Workplace wellbeing impacts everyone in one way or another.
“While I don’t believe that anyone goes to work to create a toxic workplace that impacts their colleagues’ mental and physical health, such workplaces remain the leading cause of burnout worldwide.
“The PLG for workplace wellbeing has a key opportunity to collaborate with parliamentarians and policymakers at Westminster, shaping policies that improve both employee wellbeing and our economic and social standing.’’
Jonathan Watts-Lay, advisory board member, and director at Wealth at Work, said: “Employee wellbeing is crucial if we are to ensure improved productivity in the workplace.
“My experience, based on many years of working with employers and their employees, to ensure improved financial resilience, reveals that many employees do not fully understand their finances and how to address financial difficulties, which can result in stress which is then often played out in the workplace.
“Highlighting these issues and what can be done about it, is crucial work.”
Shamira Graham, advisory board member, chief commercial officer and BABCP Accredited CBT therapist at Onebright, added: “When society fails to acknowledge that at least one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives, the human and economic cost of more serious mental health conditions grows.
“The average person spends nearly one-third of their life at work.
“Since maintaining a working life is essential in promoting mental health, keeping people linked to work is a significant focus for us and the support we provide employers.
“This is not something that can be done in isolation and we look forward to working with public and private sector peers to ensure we have a healthy and productive workforce and one that helps people thrive.”
