The significant positive impact that employers see across the whole business by providing health and wellbeing support to employees has been revealed today.

In a survey of over 500 HR decision makers in companies across the UK, nearly half (48%) of employers said they measure the impact on their business of providing health and wellbeing support to employees. This rises to 72% in companies with 250+ employees.

Benefits of providing health and wellbeing support:

43% of employers believe it increases loyalty – supporting health and wellbeing demonstrates to employees that the company cares about them and this engenders loyalty and engagement.

42% of employers believe it helps with absence management – health and wellbeing support can mitigate the number and length of absences and mean quicker returns to work.

40% of employers say it increases engagement – knowing they are supported improves engagement among staff.

37% of employers say it helps them fulfil business objectives – providing employee support is integral to the company ethos.

36% of employers say it contributes to financial success – the business is more likely to succeed financially when employees are fit, healthy, and engaged in their work.

36% of employers say it helps improve productivity – knowing they are supported increases employee output.

28% say it supports recruitment and retention – health and wellbeing support differentiates the company from its competitors.

27% say it supports new business – potential clients are interested in employee welfare, and want to work with companies that look after their staff.

The survey results show that health and wellbeing support offered within an employee benefits package, including group risk (employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection and critical illness) has great advantages not just for employees but for the business too.

It’s great to see so many employers measuring the impact of the support they offer, and seeing such positive tangible results. We hope the findings of the research will help employers to make a business case for health and wellbeing support, and we would like to see more companies measuring the impact of their benefits provision. These results show the impact is likely to be impressive.