As your business faces rising costs, inflation, and evolving workforce expectations, one thing remains certain: taking care of your employees’ wellbeing isn’t just smart, it’s essential. By prioritising their health, engagement, and support, you can create a team that feels valued, stays motivated, and grows alongside your business, helping you build a stronger, more resilient structure.
But why does wellbeing matter?
Even with rising costs and double-digit inflation in premiums, you cannot afford to neglect employee wellbeing. Competitive benefits are critical in a tight labour market, helping you attract and retain top talent.
Healthy employees are more productive and take fewer sick days. However, mental health remains a key challenge, with the CIPD 2025 Health and Wellbeing at Work Report stating, 47% of UK employers report rising mental health-related absences.
Investing in wellbeing can also help maintain consistent productivity. The same report notes that, “long or repeated periods of sickness absence can make it difficult for organisations to plan their work, and place additional strain on colleagues.”
Your employees are increasingly expecting flexible, inclusive, and comprehensive support, and older workers are staying longer in the workforce. Supporting their health while retaining valuable skills is essential for sustainable growth.
What practical actions you can take?
There are several practical steps you can take to improve employee wellbeing while managing costs. Accessible healthcare is key: offering digital GP services, cash plans, and paid time off for medical appointments ensures your team can manage their health without disrupting work. Encouraging vaccinations, such as flu and COVID shots, protects both your employees and your business.
There are other ways to support your team, including:
- Comprehensive insurance coverage: Providing support during times of need, including healthcare, disability, or loss of life.
- Wellness programmes: Proactively supporting physical, mental, social, and financial health.
- Preventive health initiatives: Screening and vaccination, driving early detection and intervention.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Offering immediate help for issues affecting performance, engagement,
and wellbeing.
Regularly reviewing the benefits you provide ensures your investment is cost-effective and delivers real value. Even small, targeted initiatives can make a significant difference in employee engagement and productivity.
Looking ahead
Employee wellbeing is no longer just a nice-to-have. By focusing on practical, targeted actions such as accessible healthcare, preventive care, and wellness programmes, your business can become more resilient, and your employees more engaged and productive.
Aligning your benefits and wellbeing initiatives with your employees’ needs and those of your business goals, can help create a supportive, high-performing team.
Have a chat with us today, and talk through:
Selecting the right benefits: with the provision of free wellbeing workshops to understand your workforce’s health risks and needs.
Improving health & wellbeing: by gain access to webinars, wellbeing calendars, and strategic partnerships.
Managing your costs effectively: benchmarking, claims analysis, and market insights to optimise your spend.
Steve Hope
Employee Benefits Director
Adler Fairways
