Knowing that your employer is investing in your wellbeing can become a valuable tool for organisations and one that can attract new talent and support employee retention.
There’s a lot of things we look for when it comes to finding a job and these days, good wellbeing support seems to be at the top of the list. According to recent findings, 34% of employers have reported that there’s been a large increase in interest in mental health and wellbeing support amongst new recruits.
The research has also shown that employers are struggling with recruitment and retention; 31% of employers have difficulty attracting new starters and 28% state that they are struggling with retention of current staff. There are several factors that can contribute to these recent findings, but it’s clear that health and wellbeing support is seen as a priority with current and potential staff.
Why is mental health and wellbeing support crucial for better retention and recruitment?
If you already have a busy workforce, it’s good to keep employees happy and healthy so that they stay in work and are productive. Having access to mental health and wellbeing support will make it easier for staff to navigate their mental wellness, and find ways to cope or deal with stress in the workplace. Even if it’s external factors that are impacting their state of mind, coming to work and having support can mean that they are likely to manage better and stay in employment rather than going on long-term sick. Work can be a big contributing factor to people’s mental health, so ensuring that staff can cope with workloads and have emotional support when they need it will make their work-life more positive and in turn, their mental health too.
In terms of recruitment, more people looking for work are seeking out good employee benefits and wellbeing as there’s been a shift in priorities due to the Global Covid-19 Pandemic and the cost of living crisis. With NHS waitlists that take over a year, and a lack if mental health support, employees are turning to employers to help. Whether it be wellbeing schemes to help limit stress and make staff feel positive, or clinical help available through occupational health, it’s evident now more than ever that employees want support and find it desirable in the workplace.
