Six in 10 UK workers (61%) say they care a lot about their mental health, yet only 30% believe their employer cares to the same extent. This stat is just one disparity found in a recent study* which reveals a disconnect between employees and employers on the perceived value placed on key aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The research, carried out among 2,000 UK workers and presented in a new report, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, reveals notable differences between the importance employees place on purpose-led initiatives, compared to their perceptions of how their employers view these:
- 91% of workers care about their mental health, compared to 74% who believe their organisation feels the same
- 92% of workers care about making a meaningful contribution, but only 71% believe their organisation cares to the same extent
- 86% want to protect the environment, compared to 74% who think their employer wants to do the same
George Chaytor-Norris, co-founder and CEO of youdo, comments: “Workers are prioritising wellbeing along with a desire to give back to others and help the environment. Importantly, they know the difference between paying lip service to a cause and actively embodying it. To secure a competitive advantage in a volatile labour market, organisations need to put strategic muscle behind employee wellbeing and sustainability programmes in a way that’s plain to see.”
The youdo research identifies ways organisations can balance the disconnect and inspire and engage employees. Workers identified three key aspects that would increase their engagement with company initiatives for wellbeing and the environment:
- Getting involved in activities they enjoy and are passionate about
- Having a choice rather than being told what to do
- Non-financial benefits, for example paid time off or earning rewards
Chaytor-Norris continues: “Employees are often under-used when organisations want to take meaningful steps to deliver successful wellbeing and environmental initiatives. Leadership teams should be looking for active contributions from all levels of the organisation into schemes that are, after all, for everyone. Being able to contribute to and shape company programmes will have a positive impact on job satisfaction and empower teams to live healthier lives and create a healthier planet.
Methodology
Research findings are based on a survey conducted by Censuswide between April 14 – April 19, 2022, with 2,000 adults aged 18 years and above who work more than 30 hours per week in the UK. The survey explored how connected UK workers feel to each other and the environment, job satisfaction and the type of organisation people want to work, and how important corporate social and environment initiatives are to workers today.
*youdo
