Sustainability, Diversity, And Wellbeing: Do Your Employees Want You To Do More?

We help businesses of all shapes & sizes reward their staff 🚀
02/07/2024

The latest stats from our 2024 Drewberry™ Employee Benefits And Workplace Satisfaction Survey reveal how employees feel about their employer’s approach to sustainability, inclusivity, and wellbeing.

While over half of UK employees think their employer handles sustainability issues well, 24% say more needs to be done to support their mental and physical wellbeing.

As an employer, it’s in your best interest to take a proactive approach to sustainability, diversity and wellbeing matters. Otherwise you may find your best talent leaving your company for another that better aligns with their values and needs.

Why Diversity, Sustainability, and Wellbeing Should Be A Priority

Embracing and championing diversity, sustainability, and wellbeing is key for a stronger, more innovative workplace:

  • Diversity: Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, leading to better ideas and solutions, and help connect with a wider range of customers
  • Sustainability: Ensures long-term success by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing the company’s reputation. It’s important for meeting the expectations of customers, investors, and regulators who value responsible practices
  • Wellbeing: Wellness initiatives boost employee health and morale, reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs. When employees feel well and supported, they’re more productive and stay longer at your company, benefiting both your team and the organisation.

These are hot topics among employees. It can support your recruitment process and help you keep your best talent. And if you’re looking at getting the coveted B Corp Certification, your diversity, sustainability, and wellbeing credentials will need to be up to scratch.

42% Of Employees Think Their Employer Handles Sustainability Issues Well

As more people seek ways to be environmentally friendly, many are looking to their employer for a commitment to sustainability initiatives at work.

We asked UK employees if they felt positively about their employer’s approach to sustainability, and found nearly half (42%) think their employer handles sustainability issues well. However, 19% don’t feel their employer commits to eco-friendly practices at all.

  • 29% agree
  • 13% strongly agree
  • 11% disagree
  • 8% strongly disagree.

It might seem like a huge task, but simple initiatives such as recycling, offering eco-friendly benefits, such as cycle to work schemes, or going paperless offer practical ways to introduce sustainability initiatives.

64% Of Employees Feel Their Employer Prioritises Inclusivity

We also asked whether staff felt their employer is diverse and inclusive. 64% of UK employees feel positively about their employer’s approach to inclusivity at work.

This is a positive outcome, yet 12% feel their employer does very little to champion it.

Your business plays a crucial role in ensuring diversity within teams. By promoting diversity, you can positively impact recruitment, as 8% of employees say a “commitment to diversity and inclusion” matters most when choosing a new job.

Almost A Quarter Feel Their Employer Doesn’t Prioritise Their Wellbeing

As well as sustainability and diversity, we also asked employees, “How well do you think your employer prioritises your wellbeing (physical and mental)?”

Although 45% did think their employer prioritised their wellbeing, nearly a quarter of the UK workforce felt the opposite. This is a significant percentage, suggesting employers can definitely do more in this area.

  • 30% agree
  • 15% strongly agree
  • 13% disagree
  • 11% strongly disagree.

The Majority Of The UK Workforce Is Stressed 😔

With 91% of people experiencing stress in some capacity, wellbeing has never been more important. 31% told us they felt stressed due to their mental health and 25% said their physical health causes stress. This can have a knock on effect at work.

How Your Benefits Package Can Enhance Sustainability, Diversity, and Wellbeing

In today’s job market, top talent looks for more than just a competitive salary and flexible work hours. Employees want to work for companies that value sustainability, diversity, and their overall wellbeing. By integrating these elements into your benefits package, you can create a more attractive and supportive work environment.

Sustainable Practices

Offering benefits that support sustainable living not only shows your commitment to the environment but also resonates with employees who value eco-conscious practices. Consider implementing:

  • Cycle to Work & Electric Car Schemes
    Encourage sustainable transportation options by offering both Cycle To Work and electric car schemes. These initiatives promote physical fitness, reduce carbon footprint, and demonstrate your company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. By supporting eco-friendly commuting, you contribute to a healthier lifestyle for employees and a more sustainable future
  • Ethical Workplace Pensions
    Offer pension plans that invest in socially responsible and environmentally sustainable companies. This not only helps employees save for their future but also aligns with their values by supporting ethical investments
  • Remote work options
    Reduce your company’s environmental impact by minimising commuting and office energy consumption
  • Green office initiatives
    Support sustainability with recycling programs, energy-efficient office equipment, and reducing single-use plastics.

Promoting Diversity And Inclusion

A diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and a sense of belonging. To enhance diversity and inclusion through your benefits package, you can:

  • Provide diversity and inclusion training to employees
  • Take steps to removing unconscious bias
  • Recognise cultural and religious holidays
  • Ensure equal pay
  • Review your diversity and inclusion policies.

Enhancing Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing is crucial for maintaining a productive and positive work environment. By offering comprehensive wellbeing benefits, you show your employees that their health and happiness are a priority:

  • Group health benefits
    Provide access to benefits such as Group Health Insurance and Corporate Health Cash Plans. These benefits can help ensure your team stays healthy and feels supported. They often come with free additional services, such as mental health support and virtual GPs
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
    EAPs offer confidential support for personal and work-related issues, helping employees navigate challenges and reduce stress
  • Occupational health support
    Address workplace-related health issues with specialised care, creating a safer and healthier work environment
  • Wellness benefits
    Offer benefits which promote a healthy lifestyle, such as corporate gym memberships, meditation session, nutritional support and mental health days. Simple things, such as providing fruit and other healthy snacks in the office, can help too.

Get Expert Advice On Your Employee Benefits Package

Our survey findings reveal the value of a well thought-out employee benefits package that includes a mix of benefits to support employee wellbeing. So, it’s important to get your company benefits right to improve job satisfaction and company reputation.

At Drewberry, we not only have an employee benefits platform, My.Drewberry, our team of experts offer advice and recommendations for your company. If you’d like further help with your employee benefits package, get in touch on 02074425880 or email help@drewberry.co.uk.

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We started Drewberry™ because we were tired of being treated like a number.

We all deserve a first class service when it comes to things as important as protecting our health and our finances. Below are just a few reasons why it makes sense to talk to us.

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Drewberry Ltd registered office: Telecom House, Preston Road, Brighton, England, BN1 6AF. Telephone 0208 432 7333

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Limited, which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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