In recent years, one topic has become a growing priority for organisations worldwide: employee wellbeing. With studies suggesting that health and wellbeing support is more important than ever to recruitment and retention, companies are striving to meet the demand for more supportive workplaces. However, does the responsibility for employee wellbeing lie with individuals or with organisations?
A 2024 report from Oxford University argues that organisations play the dominant role in shaping employee wellbeing. Management practices, job design, and staff resources are all factors that the report outlines as playing a crucial part in improving wellbeing at work. In fact, the research suggests that there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of traditional interventions (such as mindfulness and stress management programmes) in benefiting employees.
While this research highlights important structural factors in maintaining workplace wellbeing, it overlooks the vital role of science-backed manager training and individual wellbeing training as complementary strategies. Organisational improvements are key, but they must be supported by well-trained managers and empowered employees to have a lasting impact.
So, is workplace wellbeing training worth the investment?
The role of managers in employee wellbeing
Managers are in a key frontline position to significantly influence employee wellbeing – in a positive and negative way. In fact, a recent report suggested that poor management is one of the biggest causes of workplace stress, highlighting the dangerous impact of not supporting our managers’ development. It’s time to equip managers with everything they need to implement the much-needed organisation-level strategies and become a force for good in the world of wellbeing, helping their teams to overcome challenges and thrive.
Providing managers with wellbeing training gives them the practical tools they need to support their teams effectively. It is a common finding that many managers are promoted for their technical expertise rather than their people skills, leaving a critical gap in their ability to manage human challenges. Wellbeing training builds emotional intelligence, enhances communication, and enables managers to recognise early signs of stress or disengagement. With the right training, managers become proactive supporters of wellbeing rather than reactive problem-solvers – ultimately fostering healthier, more resilient teams.
Why manager training is essential
- Managers are the first line of support
Employees often turn to their managers for guidance and support, yet many managers lack the necessary training to handle wellbeing challenges effectively. Without proper education, even well-intentioned managers may struggle to recognise or respond to wellbeing concerns in their teams.
- Poor leadership increases workplace stress
A lack of managerial training can lead to micromanagement, unclear expectations, and a culture of fear—all of which negatively impact wellbeing. Conversely, leaders trained in wellbeing principles can create a psychologically safe work environment where employees feel heard and supported.
- Trained managers enhance organisational strategies
Organisational policies and structural changes are only as effective as the managers enforcing them. If managers do not understand or prioritise wellbeing, even the best company-wide initiatives will fall short.
Our Team wellbeing workshop is designed to equip managers with the skills they need to support their teams. This workshop provides practical tools to:
- Identify signs of stress and burnout.
- Foster open conversations about wellbeing.
- Implement strategies for a more supportive team culture.
- Lead by example in prioritising wellbeing at work.
When managers lead with wellbeing, employees are more likely to engage in open discussions about mental health, proactively manage stress, and maintain a sense of balance in their professional lives. Investing in workplace wellbeing training for managers is a strategic move that strengthens teams, reduces burnout, and drives long-term organisational success.
The value of individual wellbeing training
The Oxford study questions whether individual interventions – such as stress management workshops and mindfulness training – offer real benefits. However, this perspective neglects a crucial point: organisational strategies and manager support can only go so far if employees themselves are not equipped with the tools to manage their own wellbeing.
Individual wellbeing training empowers employees to take an active role in their mental health, fostering a sense of personal agency and accountability. While a supportive environment is essential, it cannot replace the value of individuals understanding their own stress triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and learning how to set healthy boundaries. Without these personal tools, employees may continue to struggle despite external support. By providing targeted training, organisations help staff build the resilience and self-awareness needed to navigate the pressures of modern work life more effectively.
Why individual wellbeing training matters
- Empowering employees to take ownership of their wellbeing
While organisations have a responsibility to create a supportive environment, employees also need personal strategies to maintain their wellbeing. Training helps individuals develop resilience, cope with workplace stress, and build habits that support long-term wellbeing.
- Encouraging open conversations about wellbeing
Wellbeing training sessions create a safe space for employees to discuss stress, burnout, and work-life balance. These conversations help normalise discussions about wellbeing and reduce stigma in the workplace.
- Enhancing engagement and productivity
Employees who feel well-supported with their wellbeing are more engaged, motivated, and productive. When individuals have the skills to manage stress and prioritise self-care, they perform better and contribute more effectively to their teams.
Our My wellbeing workshop provides employees with practical tools to:
- Identify stress triggers and implement coping mechanisms.
- Build resilience and sustain their wellbeing over time.
- Take a proactive approach to setting and clarifying boundaries.
- Feel more confident in discussing and prioritising their wellbeing at work.
By offering both individual and manager wellbeing training, organisations can create a well-rounded approach that aligns with structural improvements while empowering employees at all levels.
Why workplace wellbeing training is a worthwhile investment
Rather than viewing individual interventions and organisational strategies as competing solutions, companies should see them as complementary pieces of the wellbeing puzzle. Workplace wellbeing training ensures that:
- Managers are well-prepared to lead with empathy and support.
- Employees have the tools they need to manage stress and build resilience.
- Organisational policies are effectively implemented by well-trained leadership.
The Oxford study rightly emphasises the need for ambitious organisational changes, but these changes cannot succeed in isolation. A truly effective wellbeing strategy integrates both manager and individual wellbeing training, ensuring that companies address wellbeing at every level.
A holistic approach to wellbeing
Wellbeing at work is not just an organisational responsibility, nor is it solely an individual pursuit. The most successful companies understand that wellbeing is a shared commitment – one that requires strong leadership, individual empowerment, and organisational investment.
By combining manager training with individual wellbeing training, organisations can create a culture that prioritises wellbeing, reduces stress, and enhances overall job satisfaction. This proactive approach leads to healthier, happier, and more engaged teams, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organisation as a whole.
Take the first step toward a truly effective wellbeing strategy by exploring our wellbeing workshops: My wellbeing and Team wellbeing.
Ready to prioritise wellbeing in your organisation?
Get in touch with our dedicated learning advisors to find out how we can help to provide your managers and teams with the tools they need to safeguard wellbeing.
