Strategic Employee Wellbeing for SMEs: The Real ROI (Return on Individuals)

SMEs: How to Get Employee Wellbeing Right 💼💪*

Let’s face it—getting employees to embrace a health and wellbeing plan can sometimes feel like trying to convince someone that burpees are enjoyable.

Spoiler alert: they’re not.

Some employees will dive straight in, others will nod politely and quietly retreat to the biscuit tin, and a few will outright ignore it.

The reality is, not everyone will engage—and that’s perfectly fine. The key is consistency, much like fitness itself. From my 12 years of working closely with clients at Unit 13 Fitness, I’ve learnt that people respond best when the message lands at the right time.

For employees, this means strategically planning your wellbeing efforts throughout the year, targeting moments when they’re most open to making positive changes.

Timing is Everything

December/January: This is the perfect time to challenge the "New Year, New Me" mantra. Resolutions are often unrealistic and fade faster than gym attendance in February. Instead, encourage your team to think about a strategy.

A strategy is sustainable, practical, and focused on small, manageable steps that create lasting change. It’s also a great opportunity to let them know they don’t need to overhaul their lives to feel better—just a bit of guidance and support.

April/May: Springtime brings thoughts of holidays and wardrobe changes, making this an ideal moment to talk about efficiency.

Employees are busy, so show them how they can achieve maximum results with minimal time. Quick wins like time-efficient workouts, simple nutritional tweaks, or stress management tips will resonate well.

This is the season of “small effort, big impact,” and employees will appreciate strategies that fit into their packed schedules.

September: The summer holidays are over, the kids are back to school, and routines are returning. This is the perfect time to help employees refocus on structure and consistency.

A strong routine isn’t flashy, but it’s the foundation for success in both health and productivity. Highlight how taking the time to plan now will help them finish the year strong, energised, and productive.

It’s Not About Tick-Box Exercises

The truth is, delivering a wellbeing programme isn’t as simple as sending out an email or adding a few wellness perks to a benefits package.

Employees are sharp—they know when something is just for show.

While Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are a great starting point, they’re often viewed as a compliance requirement rather than evidence of genuine care.

What employees truly value is knowing that someone cares about their wellbeing. From my years of coaching, including working closely with C-suite clients, I’ve seen how impactful a personalised, consultative approach can be.

This means meeting employees where they are, listening to their unique challenges, and offering tailored support that fits their needs—not a one-size-fits-all plan.

The Long Game

For SME leaders, it’s crucial to remember that a wellbeing strategy—like a well-executed marketing campaign—takes time to show results.

KPIs might not shift immediately, but over 2-3 months, as employees build trust with the programme and begin to make small, sustainable changes, the impact becomes clear. These incremental, 1% improvements compound over time, boosting not just health and happiness but also engagement, morale, and productivity.

SMEs have a unique advantage here. With smaller teams, you can build a sense of community and trust more easily. By genuinely investing in your team’s wellbeing, you’re not just enhancing their lives; you’re also strengthening your business. After all, employees who feel supported, valued, and energised perform better—and are more likely to stick around.

The Payoff

Not every employee will engage immediately, and that’s okay.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.

By reaching out strategically throughout the year and demonstrating authentic care for your team, you’ll create a workplace culture that prioritises health and wellbeing. And in doing so, you’ll unlock the real ROI of a personalised employee wellbeing strategy: a healthier, happier, and more motivated team.

Oh, and who knows? You might even convince a few of them that burpees aren’t so bad after all. Maybe.