Employees rate having a purpose and feeling valued at work more than getting a pay rise, a new report has found.
News
Employees want purpose not ‘flashy perks’, says report
Nearly half (45 per cent) of workers polled for Headspace Health’s fourth annual report on workforce attitudes towards mental health, said that being recognised for their work was the most important factor when it came to workplace wellbeing.
Further, 9 in 10 employees said they do their best work when they feel included and connected to their team and 88 percent of employees agreed that it’s important that they bring their “whole self” to work.

“Giving employees a reason to stay involves more than providing flashy perks and for many, even increased pay,” says the report. “Today, when employees say “more,” they actually mean, ‘purpose,’ ‘meaning,’ ‘to feel valued.’”
“The new currency is less about dollars and more about experiencing compassionate support, psychological safety, and a sense of belonging.”
Improving mental health support – crucially making it more personal and individual – as well as making work more purposeful, was now key to employee retention it said.
The findings come as another poll said the UK is facing a ‘disengagement crisis’. Two in three workers in the poll by recruitment company, Robert Walters said they feel disengaged from work.
According to the research half of white-collar workers claimed that their workplace has become unrecognisable in the past 12 months, with high staff turnover (54%), less people coming into the office (49%), and a subsequent decline in team socials (43%) the main drivers.
Toby Fowlston, CEO of Robert Walters said: “What is apparent here is the traditional tactics used to build a lively, inclusive, and social workplace culture are simply not cutting it. The hybrid-working world and subsequent decline in office attendance is having a detrimental impact on employee engagement and companies must act fast to keep employees engaged and attract the best professionals.”
Read the Headspace report here: bit.ly/3AgVGUo
NEWS

Employers urged to get ready for new equality-based rights
By Belinda Liversedge on 03 April 2025
Employers should “start preparing now” for three key measures expected in Employment Rights Bill which will give women enhanced rights in the workplace, said a senior lawyer.

Nation in declining health as UK marks pandemic anniversary
By Belinda Liversedge on 25 March 2025
Around one in seven (14 per cent) UK adults have experienced a long-term health condition because of the virus.

Review leader says “new era of workplace health” must solve long-term sick crisis
By Belinda Liversedge on 20 March 2025
Employers must “adapt with the times,” the leader of a major government review has urged, which confirms record numbers of people suffering from work-limiting health conditions and increasing joblessness due to mental ill health.