Research suggests employers feel a greater responsibility for supporting their employees’ wellbeing as a result of the pandemic.

This finding was based on a survey of 501 HR decision-makers commissioned by GriD in January, with the data highlighting a strong sense of responsibility across all four key areas of wellbeing:

• 59% of employers said they felt an increased responsibility for supporting the mental wellbeing of staff
• 57% felt the same increased responsibility for physical wellbeing
• 56% felt increased responsibility for employees’ social wellbeing
• 50% felt increased responsibility for the financial wellbeing of staff.

The survey also found a significant proportion of firms are taking steps to demonstrate this commitment. For example, four out of ten employers had increased communication about support available to staff, while just over a third had encouraged engagement and utilisation of support.

Other GriD research shows employees are not only in need of, but increasingly expect, support. A survey of 1,212 workers also undertaken in January found that almost four in ten felt their mental health had deteriorated due to the pandemic, while over a quarter noted a deterioration in their physical health and a similar proportion had concerns about financial health. Furthermore, four in ten said they expect more support from employers to help them cope.

GRiD spokesperson Katharine Moxham commented, “Employees feel most vulnerable in terms of their mental wellbeing and employers have rightly assessed this as an area in which they can take more responsibility. However, employers should be wary of solely prioritising one area. Mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing are inextricably linked and so employers must address all four areas when providing post-pandemic support for staff.”