In recent years, UK businesses have been increasingly focused on placing employees at the heart of their operations.
This shift has been accelerated by the rise of hybrid working and an increased awareness of mental health in the workplace. According to a 2022 CIPD survey, 52% of UK businesses have stepped up employee wellbeing support or benefits as a consequence of Covid-19.
With a growing recognition that a happy, engaged workforce drives long-term business success, companies are embracing people-first practices to remain competitive and future-proof their operations.
Understanding the people-first approach
A people-first approach centres on creating a work environment where employees are valued, empowered and supported. It means moving away from purely profit-driven strategies and focusing instead on building a culture that promotes wellbeing, development and engagement. This model encourages collaboration, open communication and a leadership style that serves employees’ needs rather than enforcing rigid hierarchies. In essence, the people-first approach fosters a workplace where employees feel trusted, heard and invested in their organisation’s success.
The benefits of prioritising employee wellbeing
Companies that prioritise employee wellbeing are seeing tangible benefits. Research by Gallup found that businesses with highly engaged employees outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share. For UK firms, investing in employee well-being can lead to:
Higher productivity: Engaged employees are more productive, contributing more meaningfully to their organisation’s goals. This results in better overall performance.
Reduced turnover: High employee turnover is costly. People-first companies experience lower staff attrition, as employees are more likely to remain in a workplace that values their well-being.
Increased innovation: Employees who feel psychologically safe are more likely to experiment and offer creative solutions. This fosters an innovative culture that drives business growth.
Enhanced brand reputation: Companies known for treating their employees well attract top talent.
Implementing people-first practices
To transform your organisation into a people-first business, start by embedding these values into your operations. One effective technology tool for doing this is the use of a People First platform, which allows you to streamline employee engagement, wellbeing and development.
Make sure you align your business goals with employee growth. For example, focus on leadership development, employee recognition and continuous learning to foster engagement. A People First platform helps gather real-time feedback, tracks performance and offers tools for employee development.
Promote flexible work arrangements to show employees that their personal lives are valued. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout. And ensure your company promotes diversity and fosters an inclusive environment, so all employees feel they belong and can contribute.
Measuring the impact of people-first initiatives
Measuring the impact of people-first practices is essential to sustaining success. Key performance indicators (KPIs), such as employee engagement scores, retention rates and productivity metrics, provide insight into the effectiveness of your strategies.
Regular employee surveys reveal satisfaction and areas for improvement. Tracking turnover and absenteeism can show how well your company is retaining employees and addressing burnout. Finally, consider financial metrics and how wellbeing initiatives correlate with productivity gains and financial outcomes. Engaged employees are proven to deliver better results
