Six in 10 UK workers (61%) say they care a lot about their mental health, yet only 30 percent believe their employer cares to the same extent, revealing a lack of wellbeing support.
This figure is just one disparity found in a recent study from youdo, which reveals a disconnect between employees and employers on the perceived value placed on key aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
There are notable differences between the importance employees place on purpose-led initiatives, compared to their perceptions of how their employers view these.
For example, 91 of workers care about their mental health, compared to 74 percent who believe their organisation feels the same.
It was also found that 92 percent of workers care about making a meaningful contribution, but only 71 percent believe their organisation cares to the same extent.
Wellbeing support: how can organisations can balance the disconnect and inspire and engage employees?
Workers identified three key aspects that would increase their engagement with company initiatives for wellbeing and the environment:
- Getting involved in activities they enjoy and are passionate about
- Having a choice rather than being told what to do
- Non-financial benefits, for example paid time off or earning rewards
George Chaytor-Norris, co-founder and CEO of youdo, comments: “Workers are prioritising wellbeing along with a desire to give back to others and help the environment. Importantly, they know the difference between paying lip service to a cause and actively embodying it. To secure a competitive advantage in a volatile labour market, organisations need to put strategic muscle behind employee wellbeing and sustainability programmes in a way that’s plain to see.”
“Employees are often under-used when organisations want to take meaningful steps to deliver successful wellbeing and environmental initiatives. Leadership teams should be looking for active contributions from all levels of the organisation into schemes that are, after all, for everyone. Being able to contribute to and shape company programmes will have a positive impact on job satisfaction and empower teams to live healthier lives and create a healthier planet.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
