Workplace Wellbeing: A Strategic Investment in People and Productivity

Posted on 3 Sep 2025

In today’s fast-paced, talent-driven economy, successful organisations understand that people are their greatest asset. That’s why workplace wellbeing is fast becoming a top priority for businesses that want to attract, retain, and empower a high-performing workforce.

At the RDA, we’re working in partnership with the Public Health team at Rochdale Borough Council to explore how businesses of all sizes can put wellbeing at the heart of their operations, and why doing so makes sound commercial sense.

This series will share evidence, insights, and practical ideas to help employers across Rochdale create healthier, happier, and more resilient workplaces.

Wellbeing: More Than a Perk

Workplace wellbeing is not about ticking boxes or offering surface-level perks like fruit baskets or motivational posters. It’s about building a culture that supports people to thrive, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

That means creating inclusive, flexible working environments where employees feel respected, connected, and able to bring their whole selves to work. It also involves supporting staff to attend essential health screenings, encouraging open conversations around mental health, and recognising that wellbeing isn’t a ‘nice to have’ it’s vital to long-term organisational success.

The Business Case for Wellbeing

Investing in employee wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. The evidence is clear: businesses that prioritise the health and happiness of their people consistently outperform those that don’t.

Key Data Highlights:

Engagement Drives Profitability
Companies with high levels of employee engagement see up to a 21% increase in profitability, according to Gallup. A motivated, satisfied workforce translates directly into better performance.

Mental Health Equals Higher Productivity
Research from the Mental Health Foundation shows that employees with good mental health are 12% more productive. Organisations that proactively support mental wellbeing see lower absenteeism and improved outcomes.

Burnout is Expensive
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reports that companies facing high levels of stress and burnout can experience up to 30% productivity losses, as well as rising turnover and recruitment costs.

Wellbeing Delivers Real ROI
For every £1 invested in workplace wellbeing initiatives, businesses can expect a return of £2 to £4 in improved productivity and reduced healthcare or absence-related costs.

Collaborating for Impact

Through our partnership with Rochdale Borough Council’s Public Health team, we’ll be sharing practical tools and resources to help local businesses embed wellbeing into their strategy. Whether you’re a small business or a large employer, there are tangible, cost-effective ways to improve employee wellbeing and unlock the performance benefits that come with it.

By aligning wellbeing with broader goals, such as inclusive growth, talent retention, and increased productivity, we can build workplaces that work for everyone.

Wellbeing as a Competitive Advantage

In a challenging economic climate, businesses are looking for every possible advantage. Investing in wellbeing offers a proven return, not just in productivity and performance, but in culture, reputation, and long-term sustainability.

At RDA, we’re committed to helping Rochdale businesses put people first, because when employees thrive, businesses grow, and communities prosper.

Bee Seen, Get Screened – Supporting Cancer Screening in the Workplace    
Bee Seen, Get Screened initiative, a Greater Manchester-wide campaign helping employers support cancer screening uptake in the workplace.

By taking the pledge, your organisation is committing to:

• Giving employees time off or flexible working conditions to attend cancer screening appointments.
• Supporting Answer Cancer in raising awareness about the screening programmes available to your staff.

It’s simple to get involved – just follow these 3 steps:

1. Tell your employees
2. Be loud, be proud!
3. Keep the conversation going

For more information including signing up to the pledge, assets and other materials click HERE

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