August is National Wellness Month—a time to reflect on how we care for ourselves and others, both inside and outside of work. For organisations, it’s an ideal opportunity to take a closer look at how employee wellbeing is being supported—not just in theory, but in practice.
At its core, wellness is about more than the absence of illness. It’s about helping people feel their best—physically, mentally, and emotionally—so they can thrive in every area of life. For workplaces, investing in wellness isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good business.
Why Workplace Wellness Matters
Employees bring their whole selves to work. If someone is stressed, struggling with sleep, feeling unsupported, or managing chronic health conditions, it affects not just their personal wellbeing but also their ability to engage, concentrate, and perform at their best.
- When wellbeing is prioritised, the benefits are wide-reaching:
- Lower sickness absence and presenteeism
- Improved morale and job satisfaction
- Greater productivity and creativity
- Stronger staff retention
- A more inclusive, supportive workplace culture
Wellness initiatives don’t need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, small, consistent efforts can be just as impactful as big-ticket programmes—especially when they’re led with empathy and insight.
Taking a Whole-Person Approach to Employee Wellbeing
Wellbeing means different things to different people. A good wellness strategy takes a whole-person approach, recognising the many interconnected aspects of health:
- Physical health – Encouraging movement, healthy eating, sleep, and proactive healthcare
- Mental health – Promoting open conversations, reducing stigma, and offering access to professional support
- Social wellbeing – Fostering a sense of belonging and supportive workplace relationships
- Financial wellbeing – Providing guidance and tools to manage the cost of living and financial stress
- Occupational wellbeing – Supporting meaningful work, fair workloads, and career development Occupational health plays a key role in all of these areas—providing expert advice, identifying risks early, and supporting individuals and managers to create sustainable, health-promoting work environments.
How Employers Can Mark National Wellness Month
This month is a great time to reflect, re-engage, and refresh your organisation’s approach to wellbeing. Here are some practical ways to get involved:
Start the Conversation
Encourage managers and teams to talk about wellbeing—what it means to them, and what support they might need. Even small check-ins can make a big difference.
Promote What’s Already Available
Remind staff of existing resources—whether that’s an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), occupational health support, flexible working policies, or mental health champions.
Run a Mini Wellness Campaign
Even a few simple initiatives—like hydration challenges, walking meetings, lunch-and-learns, or guided breathing sessions—can spark engagement and boost morale.
Review Your Wellbeing Policy
Use this month to review how inclusive and effective your current policies are. Are they being used? Do people know about them? Are they still fit for purpose?
Ask for Feedback
Create space for honest conversations about what’s working and what could improve. Engaging employees in shaping your wellness strategy helps build ownership and relevance.
How Concept Occupational Health Can Help
Wellbeing isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s where Concept OH can provide personalised support—backed by clinical expertise and a clear understanding of work demands.
We can help with:
- Health risk assessments and early intervention
- Return-to-work planning and adjustments
- Stress management and mental health support
- Ergonomic advice and workplace safety
- Health promotion campaigns and training
Whether it’s supporting someone with a long-term condition or helping prevent burnout across a team, we are here to keep your workforce safe, supported, and thriving.
National Wellness Month is a valuable reminder—but wellbeing shouldn’t be a one-off initiative. The most successful organisations build wellness into everyday culture—where people are encouraged to take care of themselves, to speak up when they’re struggling, and to feel supported in doing their best work. As we mark Wellness Month, let’s keep the conversation going—not just for August, but all year round.
