A report published by UKPulse Media presents the emerging findings from the evaluation of the 15 WorkWell programme pilots, from October 2024 to March 2025. The WorkWell programme is an initiative led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support employees with mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. The programme aims to promote healthy workplaces, reduce absence due to mental health, and improve productivity.
The evaluation of the pilots found that the programme had a positive impact on employees' mental health and wellbeing, with notable improvements in stress levels and employee engagement. However, the report also highlighted challenges faced by employers, including difficulty in measuring the impact of the programme and limited resources.
The Department for Work and Pensions has welcomed the findings of the evaluation and has committed to implementing the recommendations to improve the programme's effectiveness.
The opposition has called for more funding to support the programme, arguing that it is crucial for creating healthy workplaces and reducing the burden on the National Health Service (NHS).
According to the report, the programme's success will be measured by its ability to reduce sickness absence and improve employee wellbeing. The Department for Work and Pensions has set a target to reduce sickness absence by 10% within the next two years.
What this means for you: As an employee, you may be eligible for support through the WorkWell programme, which can provide access to mental health resources and wellbeing services. Employers may also be able to claim funding to implement the programme in their workplaces.