In the latest blog for Business Surrey, Surrey County Council’s Public Health Lead Tessa Axelrod explains why focusing on the wellbeing of your workforce could be a simple way to boost your business in 2025.

In today’s fast paced and ever evolving work environment it’s easy to focus on little but the bottom line. However, there is one thing that is often overlooked but essential to driving productivity and growth: workforce wellbeing.

Poor mental wellbeing costs employers in the UK an estimated £42 billion to £45 billion a year.

So, investing in wellbeing isn’t just a nice to have, it’s crucial for a thriving business.

The good news is that businesses in Surrey can get free expert bespoke advice via the new “How Are You?” programme.

Not convinced? Well, read our business blog on workforce wellbeing to discover six benefits for your business and the wider Surrey economy when you look after the wellbeing of your workforce.

1. Improves Productivity and Performance

In 2022/23, an estimated 875,000 employees suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost.

So, it makes business sense to nurture a well-supported workforce.

When employees feel mentally and physically healthy and know how to manage stress, they will be more energised, focused and more productive.

2. Reduces sick days

When employees feel well cared for and are supported, they’re less likely to be absent from work for extended periods. So, taking steps to improve the mental and physical health of employees is good for business.

Workplace wellbeing programs that emphasise mental and physical health can significantly reduce illness, stress, or burnout.

These preventative measures can also have a long-term impact – as healthy employees are less prone to chronic diseases and other health issues.

And it’s good for the bottom line too – as The National Institute of Clinical Excellence estimates that implementing interventions to promote staff wellbeing could save employers up to £5,020 per employee.

3. Fosters Positive Workplace Culture

Workplace culture plays a crucial role in shaping an organisation’s overall success – and employee wellbeing is key to that, creating a more positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.

When done well, employees feel more connected to their colleagues and leaders, which boosts morale and strengthens team dynamics

And this sense of community fosters collaboration, trust, respect and loyalty – which are all essential ingredients to building a great team and a great business.

4. Enhances Creativity and Innovation

When employees are mentally and physically well, they’re in a better position to think creatively and innovate.

Stress and burnout can stifle creative thinking, while a healthy and balanced workforce tends to be more open-minded, resourceful, and capable of generating fresh ideas.

Wellbeing programmes that support work-life balance, provide opportunities for personal growth, and encourage creative expression can help employees stay energised and motivated to think outside the box.

Innovation thrives when individuals feel supported and empowered, which is why a focus on wellbeing is an essential component of fostering a culture of creativity.

5. Attracts and Retains Top Talent

In a competitive job market, offering a comprehensive wellbeing programme can set an organisation apart from others. Today’s workers increasingly prioritise work-life balance, mental health support, and overall wellness when considering potential employers.

Organisations that prioritise workforce wellbeing are signalling to prospective employees that they care about their holistic needs, which makes them a more attractive place to work.

In addition, focusing on employee wellbeing helps retain top talent. Employees who feel valued and supported in their health and wellbeing are less likely to leave, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of recruitment and training.

6. Builds a Sustainable Future

A healthy, happy workforce contributes to the long-term stability, profitability, and growth of a successful organisation. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to invest their time, energy, and talents into the company’s success, resulting in a more resilient and adaptive organisation.

Organisations that recognise the importance of employee wellbeing and integrate it into their corporate strategy are more likely to enjoy long-term success, even in times of economic uncertainty or change. Well-supported employees are adaptable, loyal, and dedicated to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term goals.

Want to learn more about workforce wellbeing?

Our business blog on workforce wellbeing is just the start.

If you’re a business in Surrey then you can apply to get immediate support to focus on wellbeing in the workplace.

“How Are You?” is a fully funded programme to support employers which is delivered by Surrey County Council.

Spaces are limited – so if you’re interested in taking part then get in touch today.

Our team of experts will work with you to develop a simple approach that works for you and your business. We can support those with 10 or more employees whatever your sector.

• Visit our dedicated “How Are You” website to download an intro to the free Workforce Wellbeing Framework.
• Email workforce.wellbeing@surreycc.gov.uk with the subject line “How Are You support”
• Looking for further support? Use the Contact Us form on the Business Surrey website.

In the latest Business Surrey blog, Renée Canter, Business Surrey’s Gateway & Monitoring Officer, explains why utilising the apprenticeship levy could help you recruit and grow your business.

What’s stopping your business from taking on an apprentice?

Cost is quite a common concern, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees.

Time is another, with many smaller businesses worried about the paperwork involved.

But what if someone else fills in the forms and foots the training bill for you?

Well, that’s exactly what the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme from Surrey County Council offers – with funding to train dozens of apprentices currently available.

This makes it an ideal way for Surrey SMEs to recruit while providing opportunities to local residents.

All about apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are all about opportunity.

They allow people of all ages to earn while they learn and gain the skills they need to build a rewarding career.

Latest figures from the House of Commons Library show that more than 750,000 people took part in apprenticeships in 2022/23 financial year.

Of these, more than 5,200 were in Surrey with courses offered in a wide range of industries, from health to business to engineering and beyond.

But for many SMEs, taking on an apprentice is not something they consider due to concerns about the cost of training and levels of red tape and paperwork.

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017 helps significantly reduce costs and makes apprenticeships even more accessible for SMEs.  

It means employers with a pay bill of over £3 million per year pay 0.5% of their salary bill towards supporting apprenticeships.

Large organisations can support SME’s who may not pay into the levy by transferring funds to them to use to fund apprenticeships in their own business.

This Apprenticeship Levy helped directly support almost 50% of all apprenticeships in 2017/18. But many businesses are still not fully leveraging this opportunity.

Five ways apprentices can support your Surrey business

1. Address Skills Gaps

One of the most pressing challenges businesses face today is the skills gap. As industries evolve, the demand for new skills grows, and traditional education systems often struggle to keep pace.

Apprenticeships offer a practical solution by providing tailored training that meets the specific needs of your business. 

By utilising the apprenticeship levy, companies can develop a pipeline of skilled workers who are trained to their exact specifications.

2. Enhancing Employee Retention

Investing in apprenticeships can significantly improve employee retention rates.

Apprenticeships provide employees with clear career progression paths and the opportunity to gain recognized qualifications while earning a salary. 

This not only boosts morale but also reduces turnover, saving businesses the costs associated with recruiting and training new staff.

3. Boosting Productivity

Apprenticeships are not just about training; they are about enhancing productivity.

Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the workplace. They are often more motivated and eager to learn, which can lead to increased innovation and efficiency. 

According to the UK government, businesses with established apprenticeship programs report a significant improvement in productivity.

4. Cost-Effective Training Solutions

For many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the cost of training can be a significant barrier.

The apprenticeship levy provides a cost-effective solution. Surrey County Council’s levy transfer facility can cover the full cost of the apprenticeship, which can vary from £5,000 to £40,000.

All local businesses need to do initially is fill in the application form and commit to paying the apprentice an ongoing salary. There also needs to be an ongoing commitment to support the apprentice during employment.

This makes apprenticeships an affordable option for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to invest in their workforce without breaking the bank.

5. Supporting Diversity and Inclusion

Apprenticeships can play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. They’re useful in attracting a wider range of candidates, including those from underrepresented groups.

This can drive innovation and creativity, while helping businesses build a workforce that reflects the diversity of their customer base and society at large.

How to apply to the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme

Surrey County Council is committed to ensuring No One is Left Behind. This is why it’s made it as easy as possible for businesses to access its Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme.

It is open to all businesses in Surrey and can only be used for future apprenticeships, either for new roles or existing employees. It’s open all year round but funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Business interested in exploring the opportunity can get in touch with the Business Surrey team via our business support form.

You could also apply direct using the application form. A member of the Council’s careers team will then review your application and be in touch to support in setting-up the levy transfer.

Full terms and conditions are available on the Surrey County Council website.