Chris Cummings
CEO, Wellbeing at Work
Learn how the UK can lead in workplace wellbeing with updated legislation, global insights and innovative solutions to boost productivity and mental health.
In July, Sir Kier Starmer said, on the steps of Downing Street, that he wants to ensure a new government with “everyone treated with dignity and respect at work.” At the core of the Government’s priority is growth that can be achieved through investment alongside prioritising wellbeing at work.
Major crises in UK workforces
In the UK, we have the highest percentage of unemployed working-age people; mental health and burnout crisis numbers are growing; and levels of engagement at work are at an all-time low. These challenges have a major impact on performance, productivity and growth.
We must tackle this with long-term, sustainable solutions and innovative legislation. In 1974, the original Health and Safety at Work Act was introduced in the UK, and our working lives have changed significantly since then; it needs updating.
A highly productive workforce can deliver
the growth needed for the economy.
Global collaboration on workplace mental health
From a global perspective, The NSW Government in Australia, followed by other states in the country soon after, implemented a legal requirement to employers in 2022 on psychosocial safe workplaces. In 2019, Mexico introduced new requirements for employers relating to mental health risks in the workplace. We have seen developments in the UAE, as they started their mental health roadmap with a new law introduced in 2023.
Amazing initiatives are taking place in many organisations globally. The differences in cultures, regions and approaches provide us all with great learnings that we can point to. Working as a global community, sharing best practices and having a coordinated approach to the health and wellbeing of the world’s workforce must be the way forward.
How the UK can lead in workplace wellbeing
The UK Government can develop world-leading solutions. We have access to the data to demonstrate that a well-thought-out, long-term and comprehensive wellbeing strategy delivers incredible results, returns, share price rises and performance. Technology is also playing a key role, with AI solutions making it much easier for organisations to track and have an impact.
A highly productive workforce can deliver the growth needed for the economy, a better world for the next generation and a happier, more productive workforce that is desperately needed. I urge leaders to be brave and tackle this once and for all — and I look forward to developments globally that will result in a happier, healthier world.
To learn more, visit wellbeingatwork.world
