I was surprised to read that, despite increased conversations regarding the importance of wellbeing in the workplace, a new study has found that only six per cent of jobs posted online in Scotland cite health and wellbeing benefits.
The study has shed light on a concerning trend in Scotland, with our country falling far below the national average of 12 per cent.
According to testing platform Plasma by Medichecks, only a small percentage of positions promoted offerings related to a healthy lifestyle, such as participation in the government’s Bike2Work initiative (10 per cent), use of complimentary fitness sessions or reduced-rate gym memberships, as well as perks like shopping and cinema vouchers (5 per cent).
This revelation surely calls for a re-evaluation of how businesses approach their recruitment strategies, by placing the wellbeing of their employees at the forefront.
Within the dynamic landscape of modern business, I certainly believe the importance of a content and motivated workforce cannot be overstated.
In an era where mental health awareness is gaining momentum, employers must recognise the relationship between employee wellbeing and overall productivity.
The workplace is not merely a venue for labour, but a space where individuals invest their time, energy, and aspirations. Neglecting their health and wellbeing is not only ethically questionable, but also detrimental to business success.
This is something I have spoken about in detail on this very page. In recent times I’ve praised companies such as Aldi Scotland, Buzzworks Holdings, ThreeSixty Architecture Studio, Barclays and many more, who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to looking after the wellbeing of its team.
When employers go the extra mile to offer benefits that enhance physical and mental health, they send a powerful message about their commitment to the welfare of their team. This, in turn, fosters a positive work environment and cultivates a culture of loyalty.
Furthermore, prioritising employee wellbeing has a direct impact on reducing absenteeism and improving overall productivity. In fact, a study this year by The Executive Development Network found that the majority of employees (86 per cent) would be more likely to leave a job if it did not support their wellbeing.
This is further proof that neglecting these aspects not only jeopardises retention rates, but also hampers the ability to attract top talent within a competitive job market.
Businesses should consider investing in wellness programs and initiatives that address both the physical and mental aspects of wellbeing. Offering gym memberships, yoga classes, mindfulness workshops, and counselling services are tangible ways to demonstrate a commitment to the holistic health of employees. Not only do these initiatives promote wellbeing, but they also create a sense of community within the workplace.
Incorporating wellbeing into job postings is the first step in attracting a workforce that values and prioritises their health. This practice not only signals to potential employees that their wellbeing is important, but also serves as a benchmark for the industry. It sets a standard that others may follow, creating a ripple effect that ultimately benefits Scotland’s workforce.
In Scotland, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the potential for tapping into wellbeing benefits is immense.
Employers can leverage this natural bounty by offering initiatives such as flexible work arrangements that allow employees to make the most of their surroundings. Encouraging outdoor activities, providing access to recreational facilities, and promoting work-life balance are all steps in the right direction.
Moreover, businesses that prioritise employee wellbeing are more likely to attract top talent. In a competitive job market, candidates are not only evaluating the role and compensation, but also the overall package, including the benefits that contribute to their quality of life. By highlighting health and wellbeing offerings in job postings, businesses can differentiate themselves and become more appealing to prospective employees.
It’s certainly disappointing to see the scarcity of health and wellbeing benefits in Scottish job postings, but I hope this research provides a wake-up call for businesses across the region.
I believe it’s time for Scottish businesses to lead the way in creating workplaces that cater to the wellbeing of their employees. After all, a healthy, happy workforce is the cornerstone of a thriving business.
Train Trial Makes Tracks for Commuters
Promoting a more environmentally friendly way of travel is high on the agenda for the Scottish Government as we all know, especially following the introduction of Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
However, encouraging Scots to use public transport has one big problem – the cost of rail and bus services are through the roof. In a cost-of-living crisis and despite petrol and diesel prices rising, it still tends to be cheaper and more convenient to use the car.
In a bid to change this, the government has scrapped peak time fares for commuters from today, in a trial that will last until March next year.
The good news? Tickets are almost half price if you’re commuting on weekdays before 9.30am, which will be much more affordable and will hopefully encourage more people to use trains than drive.
This comes after passenger numbers dropped after the pandemic, although a large factor in this will be the number of people now working from home instead of in the office every day.
What really highlights how much commuter numbers have plummeted though is that Saturdays are now the busiest days on the train network, indicating that more people are using rail services for leisure reasons as opposed to work.
For now though, commuters can enjoy cheaper fares and we should see a boost in the number of people travelling even during peak times, which I’m sure will help both the purse strings and the environment – a win-win.
It Made Me Laugh
A Dry Wit That Works
I love hearing success stories and I’m also fond of a good pun, which is why I chuckled reading about the ‘Dry Dock’ pub. Turns out it’s very dry indeed, with the non-alcoholic public house in Dorset becoming a huge hit within its local community.
The reason I love this idea is that yes, there are coffee shops, but where can people who don’t like or want to drink go at night to meet up and socialise, when most coffee shops close for the day?
A dry pub is an excellent idea and I really hope that Scottish entrepreneurs are inspired by this and that we start to see similar businesses appear in our own communities – especially local businesses that we can all support.
It Made Me Weep
Snow Factor Slips Away
It was already on thin ice, but Snow Factor, located at XSite Braehead, has officially closed its doors for good.
Although administrators were appointed in 2021, it had continued to operate sporadically, but it’s now official that the indoor snow sports venue has permanently closed due to increased operating costs.
The closure saddens me as there are not many facilities like Snow Factor within Scotland, however it appears that after an internal investigation, it was not safe or financially viable to reopen the slope.
One silver lining is that a new attraction has already been earmarked for the space at XSite, which means hopefully we won’t see another retail space boarded up for too long.
