Creating a positive workplace culture can be a challenge, but the benefits are clear. Our research shows that the vast majority (86%) of employees say they’re more productive at work if there’s a good culture, while 85% say there’s a link between workplace culture and wellbeing.
A positive and supportive company culture can improve employee engagement, productivity and retention while reducing absenteeism and turnover rates.
Despite the benefits, many companies aren’t doing enough. O.C. Tanner’s 2023 Global Culture Report found a third (34%) of UK employees do not consider their workplace a community. It’s a challenge made harder by a disparate workforce, with remote working more common since the pandemic.
How to build a positive culture in the workplace
Many businesses are already focusing their health and wellbeing strategy on building a positive workplace culture to help:
Show you care
Investing in employees’ wellbeing and showing you care about them can build trust and result in a more positive work environment.
Improve employee wellbeing
Wellbeing can ensure your people have the assistance they need, when they need it. Employees who are healthier, mentally and physically, are less likely to be absent or show signs of presenteeism.
Increase employee engagement
Ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated can influence job satisfaction. When they’re satisfied with their jobs, they’re more likely to be engaged and less likely to leave.
Reduce turnover
Higher retention rates reduce the need for costly recruitment and training of new employees.
Create a better employer brand
Prioritising wellbeing will help to build trust with your employees, enhancing your employer brand and leading to increased interest from potential employees.
Enhance teamwork and collaboration
Better supporting managers to support their teams and fostering teamwork and collaboration improves communication and creates a more positive work environment.
Improving your culture at work
Building a positive culture in your workplace is something that will take time. To be as effective as possible, the culture has to be authentic, embedded throughout the company and it needs to come from the top.
Nearly two-fifths (38%) of employees feel better communication from leadership would improve workplace culture. A third (33%) say they feel their culture would improve if management listened more, and 30% want more direct support from their leadership team.
At Westfield Health, our consultants have experience of working with businesses to create a wellbeing strategy that engages senior leaders whilst making your employees feel happier and more valued at work.
Solutions that can help you build a positive work culture
Health & Lifestyle Screenings
Empower your employees to make sustainable and informed lifestyle changes.
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Mental health first aid courses
An internationally recognised course designed to raise awareness of mental health and reduce stigma.
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Business health insurance
Enable employees to access treatment quicker and return to work sooner with business health insurance which makes private healthcare more affordable.
Find out moreWhat do our customers think?
“Today, wellbeing is firmly ingrained in the whole business operation - from our onboarding process for new colleagues to those who have been with the business for years. Our wellbeing programme has had a measurable, positive impact upon the working and personal lives of our colleagues.”
Exemplas Ltd
More resources on building a positive work culture
Blog post
Blog post:
Three tips to help your people build positive habits and keep them engaged with wellbeing at work
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Guide: Exercise and nutrition at work
People who are less physically active have higher rates of unplanned illness-related absenteeism, so how can employers encourage more physical activity at work?
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