Employee attitudes and trust in their employer have now reached record highs. So it’s no surprise to learn that the workplace plays a more substantial role in our wellbeing health than our doctors do. 

I think this further enhances the potential of the workplace to propel us forward as a society. The UK is on the cusp of a transformative decade, and it’s time to consider the crucial role employers will play in our future.

In July, we witnessed the first King’s Speech under a Labour government in over 70 years, and soon we will receive the first Labour budget in 14 years, delivered by the first female chancellor. This signals a period of substantial change. 

it highlights a government that values the workplace as key to economic recovery

Workplace key to economic recovery

However, what stands out most in this government’s manifesto and the speech itself is the emphasis on employers. It is something I’ve personally been calling for, for the last few years, have spoken about in Parliament and have been quoted in government documents for. 

To me, one of the most compelling sentences of the recent King’s Speech was the statement, 

“My Government will seek a new partnership with both business and working people and help the country move on…” 

This is captivating because it highlights a government that values the workplace as key to economic recovery. But this isn’t just about creating jobs for economic growth, this is about how the workplace becomes a driver for change in the community. 

We have lots of compelling evidence that backs up just how powerful this can be. For example, employees with more hope at work are more likely to get involved in pro-citizenship behaviour. 

Hybrid work: A catalyst for societal change

One powerful example of how employer decisions can change society is the rise of hybrid working. 

Evidence shows that more hybrid working can improve air quality, reduce plastic pollution, and cut greenhouse gas emissions (potentially reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions by up to 10%). It has also encouraged more women to enter full-time work and allowed fathers to spend more time with their children.

we must ensure workplaces create conditions for people to thrive

Hybrid working has had a “major beneficial effect” on UK commuter towns too, boosting local businesses and creating new jobs. In the US, around a quarter of a million white-collar workers are expected to move out of cities in the coming years, creating a net benefit of over $1.3bn in rural locations. 

Research in the UK also shows that hybrid working leads to increased local spending, boosting communities.

The point here isn’t just about hybrid working and whether it’s good or bad; it’s about the profound impact employer decisions are having on the world. This example illustrates the substantial influence the workplace now has on our society.

Addressing the economic burden of unmet wellbeing needs

Earlier this year, I obtained a new qualification in Public Health Policy and was accepted into the Royal Society for Public Health. As a workplace wellbeing advocate, I did this because of the close and symbiotic relationship between our wellbeing at work and our country’s success.

Poor workplace wellbeing not only hampers an organisation’s effectiveness but also impedes societal progress. The new UK government acknowledges this truth. 

To boost the nation’s economy, we must ensure workplaces create conditions for people to thrive, provide better support, and adopt a preventative approach to wellbeing.

Currently, more people in the UK trust their employer than they trust the government or the NHS. A stronger commitment from employers, supported by the government, could be the change we need. 

Commitment to individual wellbeing

When organisations commit to supporting employee wellbeing, they enjoy higher shareholder returns, stronger performance, higher valuations, increased profitability, and greater resilience to volatility. Cross-country data shows that GDP per capita is highly correlated with individual wellbeing. 

Imagine the impact if the government and employers worked more closely together. 

What if the government helped remove barriers and supported employers in enhancing their strategies and their people’s wellbeing? 

What if governments encouraged employers to offer more benefits and prioritize their employees’ wellbeing?

Let’s seize this opportunity to create a future where businesses and employees thrive together

Leading the charge for workplace wellbeing

As Chair of the UK’s first Policy Liaison Group for Workplace Wellbeing, I aim to drive this change. Through regular policy roundtables, I will convene industry experts and parliamentarians in Westminster to discuss key issues around wellbeing. 

The group will build consensus and develop policy recommendations relating to financial wellbeing, mental health, and professional fulfilment. Employer attitudes towards leadership, productivity, growth, and corporate resilience will also feature prominently.

A call to action

Employers, it’s time to recognise your pivotal role in shaping society. 

By fostering partnerships with the government and committing to employee wellbeing, you have the power to transform our nation. 

Let’s seize this opportunity to create a future where businesses and employees thrive together, leading to a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous UK.