Workplace Wellbeing
Workplace wellbeing has become a priority for organisations worldwide. A healthy and happy workforce drives productivity, creativity, and long-term success. Companies are increasingly investing in strategies to improve employee wellbeing, recognising that the benefits extend beyond just reducing sick days — they cultivate engagement, loyalty, and overall business growth.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, in 2024, approximately 10 million UK employees experienced mental health issues, equating to about one-third of the workforce. Notably, 25% reported a deterioration in their mental health over the year. Alarmingly, 33% did not seek any support for their mental health concerns. In 2022/23, an estimated 17.1m million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. Furthermore, poor mental wellbeing costs UK employers an estimated £42 billion annually due to sickness absence and staff turnover.
The statistics clearly demonstrate that mental health is a significant concern in the UK workplace, affecting a substantial portion of the workforce and imposing considerable economic costs. Addressing mental health proactively is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for employers aiming to enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a supportive work environment. Implementing comprehensive mental health policies, providing access to support services, and cultivating an open and inclusive workplace culture are essential steps toward improving mental health outcomes in the workplace.
Here at Active Digital, we believe great teams are built not just in meeting rooms but also through shared challenges, laughter, and maybe a little bit of chalk dust. That’s why we recently swapped our laptops for climbing shoes and took to the walls for an indoor climbing session that tested our limits.
Hosted at Chimera Tunbridge Wells, located just a short walk from High Brooms station, Chimera Climbing is a vibrant, welcoming space built by climbers, for climbers. From beginner-friendly walls to advanced routes, the facility is designed to challenge and encourage at every level.
We were greeted by friendly staff who put us at ease straight away. After a quick safety briefing and an intro to the basics, we geared up with climbing shoes and hit the walls. Climbing isn’t just a great physical workout; it’s also a mental one. It requires focus, strategy, trust, and communication skills we use every day at work. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a total beginner, Chimera seemed to offer something for everyone. Not only was this a full-body workout, but it was also mentally immersive!
Why Wellbeing Days at Work Are Important
Active Digital employees benefit from several inclusive wellbeing days per annum, as well as quarterly team events. Prioritising mental health in the workplace is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. By promoting open conversations, fostering a positive culture, and offering wellbeing days, Active Digital is working hard to enhance employee wellbeing. It is clear to see from the statistics from the Mental Health Foundation highlighted in this blog that organisations are under pressure to create positive initiatives to consider the importance of employee mental health.
- Supporting Mental Health
Active Digital provides dedicated time to focus on mental wellness, helping reduce stigma and encourages employees to prioritise self-care
- Improves Productivity
Well-rested employees return to work more focused, creative, and efficient
- Enhances Employee Retention
Offering wellbeing days signals that the company values people, not just performance. In summary, employees who feel cared for are more loyal and engaged
- Promotes a Healthy Workplace Culture
We know that encouraging wellbeing helps cultivate a supportive, compassionate work environment. Our efforts continue to make the workplace more human-centric
In summary, team-building is all about creating experiences where people connect authentically. Our climbing adventure reminded us how powerful it is to step outside our comfort zones together, face new challenges and have a few laughs along the way! Well done to all involved and thanks again to the team at Chimera Climbing for hosting us.
We’re always on the lookout for fresh ways to keep our culture strong and our people connected. Until our next wellbeing team event, we will keep climbing towards our next big goals…
Read more about the team at Active Digital in the latest newsletter and the teams personal achievements here
