Almost half of businesses see productivity gains when wellbeing is supported 

Sixty-three per cent of UK employers now measure the impact of staff health and wellbeing support on their business, according to new research from GRiD, the group risk industry body.

Of those, nearly half (47 per cent) report improved productivity when employees know their wellbeing matters. Overall, 98 per cent of measuring employers say wellbeing support positively affects their business.

The study, conducted via Opinium in January 2025 among 500 HR decision-makers, highlights multiple benefits: 

• 42 per cent say it shows the company cares, boosting loyalty and engagement 

• 41 per cent say it helps manage absence, reducing sick leave and speeding return to work 

• 38 per cent believe the business is more financially successful when staff are healthy 

• 37 per cent note that wellbeing aligns with company values and supports business objectives 

• 33 per cent report a positive return on investment 

• 32 per cent say it helps with recruitment and retention 

• 31 per cent believe clients care about how companies treat staff and that it helps win business  

Katharine Moxham, GRiD spokesperson, called this “a virtuous circle”: supporting worker wellbeing leads to productivity, which then strengthens business outcomes and helps attract clients and employees. She urged employers not yet measuring impact to start doing so, it could yield surprising results.