To meet the needs of employees, it’s important that we’re putting the right health and wellbeing initiatives into the workplace – from private health insurance, to gym memberships and dental plans.

But in a world where global challenges such as climate change, social inequality and mental health concerns increasingly take centre stage, sustainability initiatives are increasingly becoming an intrinsic part of staff health and wellbeing too.

When designing and communicating a sustainability policy, it pays to bear in mind the strong link between the health of the planet and the physical and mental health of your people. In the latest Bupa Wellbeing Index, we set out to explore this interconnection and what it means to workers in the UK.

Understanding sustainability in the workplace
As Gen Z workers continue to enter the workforce in growing numbers, our data reveals a significant shift in employee expectations, with a clear demand for sustainable practices at work.

Our Index highlights that approximately 42% of workers are willing to accept lower pay to work for ethical and environmentally friendly organisations – a figure which rises to 66% among Gen Z. These statistics demonstrate just how far sustainability policies can impact employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Empowering employees to make a difference
But what approaches will resonate with your people and make them feel like you’re taking sustainability seriously as an organisation?

Uncertainty about whether organisations are bridging the gap between awareness and action is persistent, and many employees are keen to have a stake in sustainability decision making to better steer the process. Recognising that top-down initiatives are no longer enough, one in five UK employees (21%) believe that senior leaders should not implement sustainability initiatives without wider buy-in from the organisation and staff. Establishing dedicated platforms for idea sharing, implementing recognition programmes, integrating sustainability into training and development and establishing clear communication channels are effective approaches to engage employees in sustainable initiatives.

People are often a company’s greatest asset in driving change and by empowering them to contribute more, organisations can tap into a vast reservoir of creativity and innovation. Setting yourself apart as a business in this way is a key tool for attraction and retention, particularly when it comes to an issue like sustainability – where 42% of respondents in the Bupa Wellbeing Index agree that if their employer does not take action on social or environmental issues, it will have a negative effect on their mental health and wellbeing at work.

Through employee engagement, organisations can foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, leading to meaningful and lasting change. What’s more, employees who feel connected to the organisation’s sustainability goals are more likely to be motivated, engaged and proud to be part of a company that values their wellbeing and the environment, improving productivity and retention.

We reflected on this, and launched our eco-Disruptive programme, designed as a way of not only driving innovation and sustainability, but also empowering employees to become active participants in doing so. The programme gives our people the chance to have a say on what eco start-ups we partner with and gain expertise from – so far, we’ve worked with a range of ground-breaking solutions to address environmental challenges within the healthcare industry. For example, we partnered with SageTech Medical, who use a SID-Dock system, which captures and recycles waste anaesthetic gases from theatres at our Cromwell Hospital. This has helped us take steps towards our sustainability targets and created a sense of pride amongst our people who are very much on our sustainability journey with us.

The link between a healthy planet and healthy people
Maintaining a strong level of engagement and contribution towards sustainability among employees can also have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.

For instance, offering initiatives that encourage outdoor activities can enhance physical and mental health, why not inject some healthy competition into it through a step challenge? This could be as simple as employees getting off a stop early and walking to work. Similarly, make sure you offer cycle to work schemes and volunteering opportunities for environmental causes, this not only gives staff a stake in reducing carbon emissions, but also promotes physical fitness and overall health.

Additionally, organisations can leverage their employee health schemes to promote preventive health measures. By introducing digital health solutions, such as digital GP services, employees can access GP appointments from wherever they are at a time which is convenient to them. At Bupa, we’re working hard to deliver high-quality care which has minimal impact on the environment. We’re developing healthcare pathways, practices and premises which have as little impact as possible on the environment.

Encouraging regular check-ups, screenings and access to preventive healthcare services, employers can support their employees in maintaining optimal health and wellbeing. These initiatives not only contribute to a healthier workforce but also align with the principles of sustainability by prioritising long-term health outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

A bright future for all
Environmental concerns will only become more pressing as each new generation enters the workforce, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining key talent. It is increasingly clear that when creating policies, leaders must keep in mind that while sustainability initiatives are essential to the health of our planet, they are also a means to protect the health of their employees.

By collaborating and embracing sustainable practices, prioritising employee wellbeing and engaging employees in shaping a sustainable culture, organisations can create a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the workplace and contributes to a more sustainable and prosperous world.