UK employers set sights on staff mental wellbeing with nation anxious ahead of return to work

Over the past 12 months, wellbeing and performance company PUSH has seen a significant increase in enquiries from UK businesses, signifying an upsurge in the number of employers safeguarding employee mental health and wellbeing.

Over the course of the pandemic alone, PUSH has supported over 20 major UK companies including Catalina, Rightmove, Urban Outfitters, Toyota, Whitbread, TikTok and RGA, showing that not only is employee wellbeing a major concern, but that business leaders are also worried about the challenges the ‘new normal’ will bring.

With PUSH concerned about postponed trauma and warning of a forthcoming wave of grief that employers should prepare for, PUSH founder Cate Murden explained why it is imperative to put new foundations in place: “It’s clear that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis – simply through dealing with ‘stuff’ that we’ve never dealt with before. Take, for example, the fact that having been furloughed for a year or more, many – such as those in the hospitality industry – are feeling the strain of the sudden need to return to a workplace that is intensely busy.

“The last year has been challenging for everyone in a multitude of ways and now this sudden return to work can seem daunting. At PUSH we have had an influx of requests to help with auditing, alongside tailored programmes that provide both reactive and preventative support. From top down to bottom up, it is clear that companies are realising the need to understand how everyone is feeling and therefore provide their employees with tools to look after themselves and stay motivated.”

PUSH specialises in corporate wellness, mental health, leadership and professional development, working with clients to create tailored solutions to the challenges felt by their teams. Having seen 15% YoY growth during the pandemic and having delivered over 1,000 help sessions during that time, it is clear to see why PUSH hailed 2020 as the year employers began prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of employees.

For more information on how PUSH can support you during lockdown and beyond, visit www.pushmindbody.com.