Building a Real Employee Wellbeing Programme: A Guide for UK Employers

In today’s evolving workplace, employee wellbeing can no longer be treated as a “nice-to-have”. Organisations that want to attract, retain, and engage top talent must move beyond traditional wellness perks and invest in holistic, meaningful support that enables their people to truly thrive.

Rethinking Wellbeing: Beyond Gym Memberships and Fruit Bowls

Historically, many wellbeing programmes have focused on surface-level offerings such as step challenges, yoga classes, or free fruit.

While these are appreciated, they don’t address the deeper issues that affect employee health, satisfaction, and performance.

True wellbeing encompasses mental, physical, emotional, financial, and social health, and it’s rooted in the organisation’s culture, leadership, and day-to-day practices.

The Cost-of-Living and Financial Wellbeing: A Wake-Up Call for HR

While UK wage figures show overall growth, the financial pressure on many employees remains intense.

In April 2024, the National Living Wage rose by 9.8% from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, yet those on fixed salaries or in middle-income roles have often seen far more modest increases.

With businesses still handling high operational costs and economic uncertainty, many haven’t been able to adjust pay in line with inflation.

As a result, real earnings for a large portion of the workforce are still lagging behind the sharp cost-of-living increases experienced between 2021 and 2023.

HR leaders must look beyond headline salary figures and consider the lived experience of employees dealing with rising rent, energy bills, childcare costs, and food prices.

Financial wellbeing is no longer optional; it’s a foundational pillar of employee support.

Read more: We recently shared a guide on how HR and leadership can help employees cope with rising costs caused by inflation.

Core Elements of a Holistic Wellbeing Strategy

A truly effective wellbeing programme includes the following:

1. Mental Health Support

• Access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
• Confidential counselling and therapy sessions
• Mental health first aiders and manager training
• Stress management workshops and resilience training

2. Financial Wellbeing

• Financial education tools and webinars
• Access to savings schemes or hardship funds
• Employee discount platforms for everyday savings
• Support around budgeting, debt, and planning

3. Physical Health Initiatives

• Flexible work hours to support exercise routines
• Access to fitness resources (online and in-person)
• Health screenings or virtual GP services

4. Social and Emotional Wellbeing

• Inclusion and belonging initiatives
• Team connection activities (remote and in-person)
• Clear values, recognition, and purpose-driven culture

Advice on Successfully Implementing a Successful Wellbeing Strategy

Leadership Commitment is Key in Implementing Wellbeing

Wellbeing must be role-modelled from the top. Leaders who take mental health seriously, respect work-life balance, and prioritise empathy set the tone for the rest of the organisation. This cultural shift can’t be delegated, it needs visible, consistent leadership support.

Train Managers to Spot and Support

Managers are often the first point of contact for employees in distress. Investing in their training to identify signs of burnout, offer support, and manage workloads compassionately is critical. They should be equipped to lead with empathy and flexibility.

Make Support Easy to Access

Too often, wellbeing benefits exist but are underutilised. Ensure all offerings are:

• Easy to find
• Simple to use
• Regularly communicated

Use digital hubs or apps and keep the language practical and inclusive.

Conclusion: More than the bare minimum

It’s time to evolve from reactive wellness efforts such as free fruit bowls and gym memberships, to proactive, integrated wellbeing strategies.

In doing so, organisations not only support their people, but they also build a culture where everyone can thrive. A thriving workforce is more productive, more loyal, and more resilient in the face of change.

Wellbeing is not a one-off initiative. It’s a long-term investment in your most asset: your people.

How AfterAthena Supports HR Teams

Whether working with us on a project basis or dedicating monthly retained hours, AfterAthena support HR teams in implementing an employee wellbeing programme across businesses of all sectors and sizes.

Get in touch to speak with an expert today.

For more information about this article or any other aspect of people services reimagined, download our App for Apple or Android, and contact your integrated HR, employment law and health & safety team at AfterAthena today.