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Why workplace wellbeing is a business priority in 2026

As our understanding of mental health has grown, so has the evidence showing that workplace culture, leadership and working environments all have a significant impact on wellbeing. Read on to find out why workplace wellbeing matters and how Workplace Partnerships could help your organisation create positive change.

Solent Mind's Workplace Wellbeing Training Manager delivers training to a board room of engaged staff

In 2026, workplace wellbeing is no longer a "nice to have" – it's an important part of running a healthy, successful organisation.

When employees feel supported, they're more likely to be engaged, productive and able to thrive at work. When wellbeing is overlooked, organisations can experience increased absence, higher staff turnover and reduced morale.

As our understanding of mental health has grown, so has the evidence showing that workplace culture, leadership and working environments all have a significant impact on wellbeing.

Read on to find out why workplace wellbeing matters and how Workplace Partnerships could help your organisation create positive change.


What the research tells us

  • 49% of all work-related ill health cases are caused by stress, depression or anxiety, while 54% of working days lost due to work-related ill health are linked to these conditions. (Health and Safety Executive, 2023/24)
  • 76% of organisations identify mental ill health as a leading cause of long-term absence. (CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey, 2023)
  • £150 billion is the estimated annual cost of ill health to the UK economy, with long-term health conditions continuing to impact workforce participation. (CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Report, 2025)
  • Businesses can see an average return of £4.70 for every £1 invested in workplace mental health support. (Deloitte, 2024)

Together, these findings highlight the vital role employers can play in supporting good mental health and wellbeing at work.


What does this mean for your organisation?

Workplace wellbeing isn't separate from organisational performance – it's closely connected to it.

Organisations that invest in employee wellbeing are more likely to:

  • improve employee engagement
  • reduce absence and related costs
  • retain skilled and experienced staff
  • build healthier, more resilient teams

Supporting wellbeing isn't just the right thing to do for your people. It can also help create a stronger, more sustainable organisation.

How can organisations improve workplace wellbeing?

A good starting point is understanding how employees are really feeling.

Workplace wellbeing surveys can help organisations identify challenges, uncover opportunities and understand where support may be needed most. But to make a meaningful difference, organisations need to listen to what employees are saying and take action in response.

That's where Solent Mind's Workplace Partnerships can help.

Our Workplace Partnerships provide employers across Hampshire with a practical, evidence-based way to understand employee wellbeing, strengthen workplace culture and connect staff with local mental health support. The partnership starts with a confidential wellbeing survey and uses the findings to create a tailored action plan that reflects the needs of your organisation.

Alongside survey insights and action planning, Workplace Partnerships include mental health training, counselling support, guidance for managers and a range of wellbeing resources designed to help create healthier, more supportive workplaces.

By combining insight, support and action, Workplace Partnerships help organisations move beyond measuring wellbeing and towards creating lasting, positive change for their people.

Three colleagues have a conversation around a table in an office

Find out more

If you're looking for a practical, evidence-based approach to supporting employee wellbeing, we're here to help.

Solent Mind's Workplace Partnerships support organisations across Hampshire to better understand workforce wellbeing, take meaningful action and build healthier workplace cultures.

Find out more about Workplace Partnerships today