Why Wellbeing Is a Business Priority for 2025

It’s no secret that the world of work has changed, and with it, employee expectations have too.

Many SMEs are feeling the effects. Higher absence rates, ongoing uncertainty, and teams stretched thin are taking a toll. And while resilience used to be seen as a personal trait, it’s now something businesses need to actively build into their culture.

But resilience isn’t about pushing people to “cope better”. It’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, trusted, and able to thrive — even when times are tough.

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So, why does this matter now?

We’re seeing a clear trend: teams that feel looked after perform better and stay longer. On the flip side, businesses that neglect wellbeing often end up dealing with higher turnover, lower engagement, and growing costs.

Recent data backs this up:

• Mental ill health is now the leading cause of long-term absence (CIPD, 2024)
• Presenteeism — where employees work while unwell — remains widespread
• The ONS reports UK sickness absence is at a 10-year high

For smaller businesses without the luxury of large teams or deep pockets, these issues can quickly disrupt day-to-day operations.