Wellbeing Investments Give UK Industry a Productivity Boost

UK manufacturers are investing than ever before in their employees’ health and wellbeing and are seeing significant boosts in productivity, according to a new report.

The Make UK/Howden report Health, Wealth and Wellbeing for Manufacturers proves that wellbeing is now a cornerstone commitment for manufacturing businesses in the UK. It notes that 85 per cent of firms see it as their duty to encourage and promote physical and mental health wellbeing in the workplace.

The researchers say this investment in people has brought with it a boost in productivity for 90 per cent of manufacturers along with improvements in workforce relations.

Make UK says the commitment to overall employee health comes against an alarming backdrop of ever-increasing skills shortages, rapid technological change and an ageing workforce.

Director of Labour Market and Skills Policy Tim Thomas said there was a clear message from manufacturers that they realise a healthy and happy workforce is an effective one, but there was still work to be done.

“Employers have also recognised that jobs within their businesses should be flexible and include career development and flexible working pathways in order that they retain staff. And in doing so, there is now clear evidence that productivity will improve as a result.”

“But there is still a lot more to be done and manufacturers must continue to work hard to put health and wellbeing at the heart of their business plans with 10 per cent of the manufacturing workforce due to retire in the next three years and with the pressures of new post-Brexit immigration rules.”

Divisional Director of Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing Mark Fosh said employers needed to ensure they were getting the most out of their wellbeing investments.

“Coupled with a more general workplace wellness trend, manufacturers are investing in their health and wellbeing agendas, in a bid to build and maintain a healthy workforce and reduce absenteeism. This is clearly sending positive ripples across the sector.”

“Manufacturers should now look to optimise the investments they are already making through seeking practical guidance on how best to manage their health and wellbeing strategies.”