What support should employers be offering to their staff today?

October 4 2025 - Employers in the UK today are expected to do more than provide a payslip at the end of the month. With rising living costs, long working hours, and increasing awareness of health and wellbeing, staff now look to their workplace for support that covers their whole life, not just their job.

A recent survey found that 79% of employees believe good workplace benefits are just as important as salary, while almost half of workers said they would consider leaving their job if better support was offered elsewhere.

Health and Medical Benefits

Health remains one of the most important areas where employers can make a difference. Many staff struggle to get fast access to medical treatment, and waiting lists for the NHS can cause stress and time off work. Employers can step in by offering health plans that cover private GP services, diagnostic tests, or hospital treatment.

Optical, physio, and dental plans are also increasingly valued. Regular eye tests and glasses vouchers are not just about comfort; they also prevent workplace accidents, especially in roles involving computers or machinery.

Physiotherapy support helps employees recover from injuries and prevents musculoskeletal issues, one of the most common reasons for sick leave in the UK. Dental cover ensures staff are not left waiting months for appointments or routine dental check-ups and it reduces the chance of more serious health problems developing.

Mental Health and Emotional Support

The modern workplace must also tackle mental health head-on. Grief, stress, and addiction are issues that affect thousands of employees every year, often quietly and without obvious signs. In fact, research shows that one in six workers in the UK experience a mental health problem in any given week.

Employers can help by providing confidential counselling services, either face-to-face or through phone and online sessions.

Grief counselling is particularly valuable, as bereavement can have a long-lasting effect on performance and wellbeing. Addiction support programmes, such as addiction helplines or funded rehab services, can help staff struggling with alcohol, drugs, or gambling. These services not only support individuals but also reduce absenteeism and improve workplace culture.

Financial Support and Flexibility

Money worries are one of the biggest causes of stress among employees. With interest rates and living costs rising, many workers are struggling to make ends meet. Employers can offer financial wellbeing programmes that provide more than just advice. A growing number of businesses now allow staff to draw down their earned wages before payday, giving them access to funds when emergencies arise.

Some organisations offer low-interest short term loans or salary advances, helping staff avoid high-cost borrowing such as high cost loans or credit card debt. These small steps can make a big difference.

A study by The One Stop Money Shop found that 40% of adults in the UK had less than £1,000 in savings, leaving them vulnerable to financial shocks. By offering practical financial help, employers can reduce stress and boost loyalty.

Creating a Culture of Care

Support is not just about benefits on paper; it is about building a culture where staff feel valued and secure. Regular communication, clear signposting to available services, and encouragement to use them are essential. Employers should ensure that managers are trained to spot early signs of stress, burnout, or financial difficulty, and know how to guide staff towards the right help.

By offering comprehensive support across health, wellbeing, and finance, employers not only improve the lives of their staff but also benefit from lower absence rates, higher productivity, and greater staff retention. A well-supported workforce is more motivated, more engaged, and more loyal.

The Future of Workplace Support

As the world of work continues to evolve, so will employee expectations. Health plans covering optical, physio, and dental needs, emotional support such as addiction services or grief counselling, and financial tools like drawdown facilities or low-cost loans are no longer seen as luxuries but as essentials. With over 30 million people employed in the UK, the impact of employers stepping up in these areas is huge, both for individuals and for the wider economy.

Forward-thinking employers who embrace this change will find themselves with a healthier, happier, and more resilient workforce ready to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

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