On Wellbeing’s innovative approach bridges the gap in employee mental health support, transforming intention into action and building healthier, more resilient workforces
Public sector organisations face mounting pressures, from managing heavy workloads to addressing the wellbeing of employees stretched thin by resource constraints. Recent data highlights the growing mental health crisis: a 2023 Ulster University study showed nearly 60% of UK employees report feeling overwhelmed, with burnout and stress leading to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. For the public sector – tasked with delivering essential services – these challenges are amplified.
While corporate wellness initiatives are nothing new, they often fall short. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are a common solution, yet engagement remains frustratingly low. A report from the Employee Assistance Professionals Association underscores this: EAPs alone cannot address rising mental health issues. Employees often perceive them as impersonal or reactive measures. The result? An ever-widening gap between the support organisations provide and the help employees genuinely need.
This is where On Wellbeing, a new entrant to G-Cloud 14, stands apart. By focusing on mental health literacy and engagement, On Wellbeing redefines workplace mental health support for the public sector.
Why mental health literacy matters
Mental health literacy – the ability to understand, manage and improve one’s mental health – is the cornerstone of On Wellbeing’s philosophy. Traditional programmes often target the “worried well,” providing content that assumes a baseline awareness of mental health issues. However, On Wellbeing’s approach goes deeper, focusing on those who may not recognise they need support or who feel hesitant to seek it.
“Mental health literacy isn’t just about awareness; it’s about equipping individuals with practical skills,” explains Dr Nicola Eccles, Head of Mental Health at On Wellbeing. “Our platform empowers users to take action and build resilience, transforming passive understanding into active wellbeing management.”
The benefits extend beyond individual employees. For organisations, improved mental health literacy translates to increased engagement, reduced absenteeism and better overall performance. In a sector like government – where the stakes are high and the workforce is diverse – this proactive approach is invaluable.
The cost of inaction
The economic impact of mental health issues is staggering. In the UK, poor mental health costs employers an estimated £53 billion annually, with the public sector disproportionately affected due to high stress levels and workload demands. Add to this the ongoing cost-of-living issues, plus a workforce still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, and it’s clear that what’s been dubbed a ‘permacrisis’ is still impacting employees nationwide. For public sector leaders, addressing this crisis isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a financial necessity.
Organisations that fail to prioritise mental health risk more than lost productivity. Employee turnover, long-term absenteeism and reputational damage are costly by-products of an unaddressed mental health crisis. Conversely, businesses that invest in effective mental health strategies report significant returns. Deloitte’s 2020 report on workplace mental health found an average ROI of £5 for every £1 invested in mental health initiatives.
A game-changer for public sector wellbeing
On Wellbeing distinguishes itself through a unique combination of digital tools, community engagement and real-world support. Its skills-based mental health literacy approach uses gamified learning methods – think Duolingo but for wellbeing – to teach practical coping mechanisms for low mood, stress and trauma. The platform’s AI-driven personalisation ensures that the content remains relevant for a diverse workforce, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, by centralising an organisation’s wellness initiatives in one app, it fosters a sense of connection among employees, especially in hybrid or remote settings. Real-world workshops and seminars complement these digital tools, reinforcing learning and driving deeper engagement. Additionally, its sustainability features, such as tokens earned through app interactions that contribute to initiatives like tree planting, align personal growth with corporate ESG goals.
By bridging the gap between intention and action, On Wellbeing helps employees thrive, not just survive.
Breaking down barriers to engagement
One of the public sector’s biggest challenges is reaching employees who are disengaged or sceptical of traditional wellness programmes. On Wellbeing tackles this by ensuring anonymity, which creates a safe space for self-exploration and addresses concerns about monitoring. The platform’s AI-powered personalisation adapts to each user’s journey, ensuring relevance and inclusivity. Through its community features, it brings employees together, encouraging peer support and shared learning. By addressing these barriers, On Wellbeing ensures its programmes resonate with even the hardest-to-reach employees.
Investing in On Wellbeing isn’t just about compliance or ticking a box; it’s about building a happier, healthier workforce equipped to meet the challenges of modern governance.
A future-focused solution
As public sector leaders look to the future, the importance of employee wellbeing cannot be overstated. On Wellbeing offers a comprehensive, science-backed approach that empowers employees while delivering measurable business benefits. Improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and alignment with organisational goals are just a few of the outcomes that make On Wellbeing a standout choice.
With its inclusion in G-Cloud 14, On Wellbeing is poised to transform public sector wellness. For organisations ready to take the next step, the future of workplace wellbeing begins with On Wellbeing.