Welsh employers offered free tools to boost workforce health and productivity 

Employers across Wales are being encouraged to take advantage of a suite of new, free workplace wellbeing tools, designed to strengthen employee health and business performance. 

The resources are part of the Healthy Working Wales (HWW) programme – funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Public Health Wales– which was launched at an event in Cardiff on 12 November 2025. The new tools aim to help organisations of all sizes assess and improve their approach to workforce wellbeing, from employee engagement to sickness absence support. 

Evidence from HWW shows a strong link between workplace health and organisational success, including higher productivity, lower staff turnover and better recruitment and retention . 

HWW already works with many of Wales’s largest employers, including Admiral and Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru), to promote healthier, more resilient workplaces. 

The launch introduces three free resources for employers: 

• Employer Survey Tool – providing organisations with an assessment of their current wellbeing approach, plus tailored feedback and next-step recommendations. 

• Workplace Adviser Support – offering one-to-one virtual sessions with HWW advisers to help employers put practical actions in place immediately. 

• Peer Mentoring Programme – connecting employers to share experiences and proven strategies for building a healthy workplace culture. 

Oliver Williams, Consultant Lead for HWW, said the initiative was designed to give employers “practical, achievable actions” to protect and improve workforce health.  

Williams said:  

“These new products will give employers the knowledge and skills they need to boost both the health and productivity of their businesses,”

Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, highlighted that supporting mental health in the workplace is a key Welsh Government priority. She said:

“When employees feel valued and supported, it benefits not only their wellbeing but also the overall productivity and health of organisations across Wales. These new resources provide employers with practical, accessible tools to make a real difference.” 

The Cardiff launch event was attended by business leaders and wellbeing specialists, including Professor Jim McManus, National Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health Wales, and representatives from major employers such as Admiral. Workshops explored how organisations can better support young workers aged 16–24, following recent research by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team. 

Williams urged employers to act now, noting that the recent Keep Britain Working Review found that UK businesses lose an average of £120 per day in profit due to sickness absence. He said:  

“Employers are uniquely placed to help prevent poor health. It’s the perfect time to engage with Healthy Working Wales for your workplace wellbeing needs.” 

The free tools are available via the Healthy Working Wales website and form part of a growing national effort to embed health and wellbeing as a driver of economic recovery and business resilience in Wales.