​Employee wellbeing is not only important for individual health and satisfaction but also for overall organisational success. By prioritising wellbeing, companies can enhance employee engagement, productivity, and foster a positive company culture. A fair and robust wellbeing programme that meets your employees’ personal needs will also set your organisation apart from others when you are hiring.

At Carrington West, we have implemented various programmes to create an environment where employees feel supported. The initiatives that have worked best for us have been based on employee feedback, and continual reassessment and refinement as our team evolves. They include flexible working hours, mental health resources, access to premium private medical cover and a choice of benefits so employees can select those that are important to them and their personal circumstances. Our wellbeing programme also feature activities like free exercise classes, financial planning and personal finance training, and access to a wellbeing hub with resources and support services.

Engaged employees are more likely to be productive, motivated, and committed to their work. Wellbeing initiatives play a significant role in fostering this engagement. When employees feel that their physical, emotional, and mental health is valued, they are more likely to invest themselves fully in their roles. This leads to higher levels of job satisfaction and a stronger connection to the company’s mission and values.

In the hiring process, highlighting these benefits is a fundamental aspect of your employee value proposition. In a recent survey we conducted, 60% of engineering respondents in the built environment sector shared that they expected their employer to provide a comprehensive wellbeing programme and provide activities to support wellbeing.

The link between employee wellbeing and productivity is well-documented. Healthy, happy employees are more likely to perform at their best. Wellbeing initiatives help reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, where employees are physically present but mentally unengaged. 

Carrington West HR Manager, Emily Christmas, shares 

“By addressing issues such as stress, burnout, and work-life blend, companies can ensure that their workforce remains productive and efficient. We have created a workforce that is resilient, focused, and capable of delivering high-quality results. This not only benefits our company but also enhances the overall customer experience, as employees are better equipped to meet client needs with energy and enthusiasm.”

Wellbeing initiatives contribute significantly to the creation of a positive, collaborative and supportive culture. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to contribute positively to the workplace environment. This, in turn, fosters a sense of community and collaboration, which is essential for innovation and growth.

At Carrington West, our wellbeing initiatives demonstrate our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive. This culture not only attracts new talent but also retains existing employees, reducing turnover and maintaining a stable, experienced workforce.

Emily adds, 

“We couldn’t achieve our 90% engagement rate and 92% retention rate without focusing on wellbeing with as much energy as we do our learning and development programmes or other initiatives which are often easier to correlate to immediate business benefits.” 

Examples of Effective Wellbeing Programmes

An effective wellbeing programme addresses multiple dimensions of employee health. Here are some examples:

Physical Wellbeing

• Fitness Classes: Regular on-site or virtual fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, and aerobics.

• Health Screenings: Annual health check-ups and biometric screenings to monitor and manage health.

• Ergonomic Workspaces: Providing ergonomic furniture and accessories to prevent physical strain and injuries.

Mental Wellbeing

• Mental Health Resources: Access to counselling services, and workshops on stress management. Training for managers to help identify early signs of mental health challenges. 

• Trained Mental Health First Aiders: Onsite and available at all times help when needed.

• Flexible Working Hours: Allowing employees to manage their work schedules to reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

Social Wellbeing

• Team Building Activities: Regular social events and team-building activities to foster a sense of community.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Encouraging employees to participate in community service and volunteer work.

• Employee Resource Groups: Supporting groups for various interests and backgrounds to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Financial Wellbeing

• Financial Education Workshops: Providing workshops on budgeting, saving, and investing to help employees manage their finances.

• Retirement Planning Services: Access to financial advisors for retirement planning and pension management.

• Employee Discounts: Offering discounts on various services and products to help employees save money.

By investing in our employees’ health and happiness, we have positioned ourselves as a top UK employer and set a benchmark for others in the industry. As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace, the focus on wellbeing will undoubtedly remain a key driver of success. By prioritising wellbeing, organisations can create a thriving workplace where both employees and the business can flourish.

In July 2024, Carrington West achieved Investors in People platinum Wellbeing accreditation as well as maintaining the Investors in People platinum accreditation for its people practices. Platinum is the highest accolade that can be achieved against the Investors in People standard and is currently held by only a small percentage of IIP accredited organisations. In the latest round of surveys Carrington West is ranked 11th of all UK companies currently working to IIP frameworks.