The single most valuable initiative that an employer could implement to improve worker wellbeing would be a flexible working hours scheme, according to research commissioned for National Workplace Wellbeing Day.

The research from One4All found that flexible working hours for employees is the most valued initiative, with four out of five listing it as their top choice. 

And the report also shows that just under half of workers would be more likely to stay with an employer that shows concern about their mental health. Two out of five claimed they would leave a job if their employer did not care about their wellbeing, with a similar number of respondents (39%) claiming that they would like to see their employer do more to encourage employees to stay fit.

The research also uncovered a worrying trend in terms of maintaining workplace wellbeing — more than half of Irish employees do not use their full holiday allowance each year. 

This is most pronounced with younger cohorts: 18 to 37 year olds are the group least likely to take all their annual leave, with only 37% claiming to use their full allowance, while 55% of those over 55 years old take their full entitlement.

In Association with

Another big plus for workers is free or subsidised health insurance, with 60% listing it as a top priority. Mental health initiatives such as staff talks with wellbeing experts and having counselling services available also featured, with 38% listing these initiatives as a priority.

Well down down the list of priorities were such things as free staff drinks (19%), subsidised exercise classes (16%) and running or walking clubs (14%).

One4All CEO Michael Dawson commented: "There is a real appetite among Irish workers for structured and integrated workplace health programmes, and employers need to take this feedback on board. Simple steps  such as signing up for Bikes4Work and providing shower/changing room facilities at work are easy to implement and could make the world of difference to your workforce’s wellbeing.”

At flexible workspace provider Glandore (pictured), the company has been organising yoga sessions for members this week.

Photo: Paul Groome. (Pix: Karen Morgan)