Kristina Singleton
19-08-2025
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Whether you’re a new business starting out or you’re an existing company looking to improve how you work, it’s important to know where to start. So, how can managers support employee wellbeing in meaningful and sustainable ways? And what support can an employee assistance provider offer that complements these internal efforts? This blog explores practical strategies and insights for building a workforce that feels supported, valued, and motivated. Read on to find out more.
To effectively support employee wellbeing, businesses need to think beyond surface-level perks and address all dimensions of health – mental, physical, emotional, and financial – even if this means making changes that may not always be the most convenient to you, the employer.
A truly holistic approach means recognising that all areas of wellbeing are interconnected. Financial stress can impact mental health; lack of physical activity can affect mood and energy; emotional strain can undermine workplace relationships and performance. Forward-thinking organisations take a comprehensive view when designing their wellbeing strategy.
Culture is the foundation of wellbeing. If your workplace doesn’t feel safe, inclusive, and flexible, even the best-intentioned initiatives can fall flat. One of the most powerful things a business can do is encourage open communication. This means regular one-to-ones, encouraging honest conversations, and training managers to listen empathetically. Psychological safety, where employees feel safe to speak up without fear of judgement, is critical. Otherwise, policies and initiatives may never come across as genuine.
Flexible working options are another major driver of wellbeing. Whether that’s hybrid setups, adaptable hours, or job-sharing, flexibility allows people to balance work with life’s demands. This also reinforces trust and autonomy, which fuels motivation.
Practical tools and initiatives can go a long way in supporting wellbeing – especially when they are tailored to employees’ real needs. So, what support can an employee assistance provider offer? These services are often at the heart of mental health support.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) typically offer:
24/7 access to confidential counselling
Legal and financial advice
Crisis management support
Help with work-related and personal challenges
For many businesses, EAPs are a crucial first step in providing formalised support. But they’re even more effective when complemented by mental health first aiders, peer support groups, or wellbeing champions within the company.
Physical wellbeing also deserves attention. Encourage movement through discounted gym memberships, walking meetings, or cycle-to-work schemes. Provide healthy snacks in the office or organise wellbeing challenges. These initiatives can be cost-effective yet highly impactful.
When it comes to supporting employees’ financial wellbeing, offering budgeting tools, pension guidance, or access to salary advance schemes can ease employee stress. Partnering with a platform like Ello can also help businesses run an engaging and flexible employee benefits scheme that boosts motivation while addressing real-life needs.
Healthy boundaries are essential to preventing burnout. But of course, it is important that those in senior positions lead by example to show the company is serious about the importance of work-life balance. So, it is crucial that managers role-model balance by avoiding out-of-hours emails and respecting lunch breaks and holidays.
How can managers support employee wellbeing in this area? It starts with policies that promote rest and recovery – such as mental health days, personal time off, or “no meeting” afternoons. Even small signals, like checking in about workloads, can reinforce a healthier work-life dynamic that comes across as authentic.
There is no denying that recognition is a powerful motivator, so when employees feel seen and appreciated, they are more likely to stay engaged and loyal to their employer. Recognition doesn’t have to be grand or expensive. A simple thank you, a shoutout in a team meeting, or a personalised message can have a big impact.
Of course, structured company reward schemes also play a major role – especially when they are inclusive and tailored to what employees genuinely value. Again, platforms like Ello can support companies in building dynamic reward systems that cater to a wide range of preferences, from dining rewards and entertainment benefits to cinema rewards.
Remember, leaders and managers set the tone. If leadership doesn't demonstrate a commitment to wellbeing, initiatives can come across as performative. That’s why it's essential that leaders:
Prioritise their own wellbeing
Show vulnerability and authenticity
Practice empathy in their interactions
Training managers to understand mental health, run effective check-ins, and respond with compassion is key to building a culture where people thrive.
Finally, effective support is rooted in insight. The more you know about a situation, the more you can do to try and combat it. Therefore, collecting feedback through anonymous surveys, engagement polls, or suggestion boxes helps leaders understand what’s working – and arguably more importantly, what’s not.
Track wellbeing-related metrics like absence rates, turnover, or utilisation of support services. Use this data to refine your approach and show employees that their voices are being heard. When people see that feedback leads to change, trust and morale increase.
As businesses aim to create more engaged, motivated, and resilient teams, wellbeing must remain a central focus. The question isn't whether you should support employee wellbeing – but how you can do it more effectively. Reflect on your current initiatives: Are they truly meeting your employees’ needs? Could your support systems be more holistic, inclusive, or data-driven?At Ello, we believe in making workplaces happier, healthier, and more human. Whether you’re looking to enhance your employee benefits scheme, create a more impactful company reward scheme, or simply find better ways to support your team – we’re here to help. Get in touch today.
