Healthy Performance Culture Review: The September Roundup of Top Industry News!

Wellness at Work: The September Roundup of Top Wellbeing News!

Welcome to our September roundup of workplace culture! In a world often filled with challenging headlines, it’s easy to overlook the positive strides happening around us. Yet, there’s plenty of good news to celebrate! As organizations increasingly prioritize employee health, new strategies and solutions are emerging. Let’s take a look at some recent developments that are making a real difference in our lives and communities. Here are the top five stories from the past month—read on to stay informed and inspired!

Every Company is a Wellness Company (Fortune, 6 September 2024)

A new mindset is emerging: “every company is a wellness company,” emphasizing employee wellbeing as central to business operations. Wellhub’s Return on Wellbeing survey shows that 95% of HR leaders see positive returns on wellness programs, with more than half achieving over 100% ROI. Focusing on employee health boosts productivity, talent retention, and reduces healthcare costs, making wellness a crucial investment for long-term business success.

New Forum Targets Workplace Wellbeing (FMJ, 9 September 2024)
The Westminster Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing has launched to address post-pandemic workforce health challenges. Led by HR expert Gethin Nadin, this cross-party forum aims to enhance mental and physical wellbeing by collaborating with policymakers, businesses, and charities.

Labour’s Four-Day Workweek Plan (Independent, 2 September 2024)
Labour’s proposed four-day workweek seeks to reduce the standard workweek to 32 hours without a loss of pay, aiming to improve work-life balance and productivity. A pilot scheme will test its effectiveness across various sectors, although concerns about potential costs remain.

49% of Women May Quit Over Menstrual Support (Benefits Pro, 27 September 2024)

A survey finds that 49% of women would consider quitting their jobs if their employer doesn’t provide adequate menstrual health support. This underlines the importance of addressing health policies to improve workplace conditions for women.

Law Firms Urged to Track Sleep (Telegraph, 16 September 2024)

City law firms are being encouraged to monitor employees’ sleeping patterns to tackle burnout and mental health issues. Research suggests that sleep deprivation can significantly impact performance and well-being, prompting firms to consider sleep tracking as part of their health initiatives.

In today’s evolving business landscape, prioritizing employee wellbeing is no longer just an option—it’s a strategic imperative. As companies adopt new practices, from four-day workweeks to targeted health support, it’s clear that fostering a culture of wellness benefits both employees and the bottom line. By proactively addressing these issues, companies can foster more resilient and productive workforces. Stay tuned for next month’s insights, and continue to prioritise wellness in the workplace!