Ibec publishes first Annual Corporate Wellbeing Barometer to mark KeepWell Summit
In advance of Ibec’s KeepWell Virtual Summit today, Ibec has published findings from its first Annual Corporate Wellbeing Barometer focusing on the wellbeing strategy and programmes of 479 organisations. The survey, conducted by Ibec's Research Unit, reveals a significant gap between ambition and action for many Irish organisations.
While 61% of companies have strong buy-in and support for workplace wellbeing at senior leadership level, only 31% have a defined wellbeing strategy in place and fewer again at 27% had a specific budget in place. A total of 61% of companies surveyed also do not measure the impact of their wellness programmes.
The respondents who represented organisations from all sectors of the economy, have on average 6 workplace wellbeing programmes in place. Topping the list of wellbeing initiatives are the bike to work scheme (74%), mental health supports (61%), flu vaccinations (47%) and bereavement supports (45%).
Other key findings from the report show:
• 61% of organisations confirm there is support at senior leadership level for workplace wellbeing
• 44% of organisations have a dedicated team or individual responsible for wellbeing
• 31% have a defined wellbeing strategy
• 27% have a specific budget for wellbeing
• 61% do not evaluate their wellbeing programmes
• 6 is the average number of wellbeing initiatives in place
• Bike-to-work scheme, mental health supports and flu vaccinations are most popular programmes in place
• Flu vaccinations and improved support for better work/life balance and mental health first aider training are the top programmes being considered where not in place.
Commenting on the findings, Sharon Higgins, Ibec Director of Member Services said: “Seeing 61% of organisations prioritise mental health is encouraging. While wellbeing is now very much on organisations’ agendas, it is evident that many need to be smarter about how they implement wellness programmes and track progress.
“Breaking down the stigma around mental health issues is still an ongoing challenge in the workplace and it’s important that employers create an open culture that highlights the importance of mental health and supports employees who are experiencing wellbeing issues.
“The findings also show that the wellbeing scope is expanding and that gender-based health services as well as mental health are immediate priorities. Women’s wellbeing, particularly menopause and fertility support, is another area of focus, as is support for carers.
“Progressive employers are now more willing to tackle taboo subjects and create open cultures that promote inclusivity and enhance wellbeing, and initiatives such as the Ibec KeepWell Mark can support employers in this process.”
The research findings will be revealed at Ibec’s KeepWell virtual Summit on 17 September with speakers including Bruce Daisley, Former Twitter Vice President, Workplace Culture Enthusiast and Author, Natasha Wallace, Founder and chief coach, ConsciousWorks and Nikki Taggart, organisational psychologist.
