When you run a small business, every penny (and every person) counts. You want to look after your team, but with tight margins and limited resources, launching a comprehensive wellbeing programme might feel out of reach.
The good news? Supporting employee wellbeing doesn’t have to be expensive. A thoughtful, practical strategy can make a real difference — even on a shoestring budget.
Here’s how to create a wellbeing strategy that supports your team and strengthens your business, without breaking the bank.
Why wellbeing matters for small businesses
Investing in employee wellbeing isn’t a luxury — it’s a smart move. Healthier, happier employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with you.
According to the CIPD, organisations that prioritise wellbeing see lower sickness absence, better morale, and improved performance. And in small teams, where each person plays a vital role, that impact is even more significant.
So, what does a wellbeing strategy actually involve?
What is a wellbeing strategy?
A wellbeing strategy is a structured approach to promoting and supporting the physical, mental, and emotional health of your employees.
It doesn’t need to be a glossy document full of buzzwords. It simply needs to:
- Reflect your company’s values
- Respond to your team’s real needs
- Set out clear actions and priorities
- Be affordable and sustainable
Step-by-step: Building a strategy that works
1. Start with a conversation
Before creating a plan, talk to your team. You might ask:
- What helps you feel your best at work?
- What causes stress or burnout?
- What would make your working day healthier or happier?
You can do this informally, in team meetings or 1-to-1s, or use an anonymous survey if people are more comfortable sharing that way.
Understanding what matters to your employees helps you focus your efforts where they’ll have the most impact.
2. Set clear, achievable goals
Once you’ve gathered feedback, decide what you want to achieve. Your goals might include:
- Improving work-life balance
- Reducing stress
- Encouraging healthy habits
- Building a more supportive culture
Choose 2–3 key priorities to focus on. Keep it simple and realistic.
3. Make the most of free and low-cost resources
You don’t need to bring in expensive consultants or install an office gym. Many effective wellbeing tools are either free or very low cost. For example:
- Mental health awareness training: Organisations like Mind and ACAS offer free online tools and guides.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Some providers offer packages for small businesses starting at just £1 per employee per month.
- NHS and Public Health resources: Campaigns like Every Mind Matters provide downloadable posters, videos, and toolkits.
- Podcasts, wellbeing apps and webinars: Share useful links in internal newsletters or chat groups.
4. Build wellbeing into everyday culture
Wellbeing shouldn’t be a once-a-year event — it should be part of how you work. Simple changes can make a big impact, such as:
- Encouraging regular breaks and fresh air
- Setting clear boundaries around working hours
- Celebrating small wins and milestones
- Checking in regularly — not just on performance, but on how people are doing
When you lead by example and prioritise your own wellbeing, your team will feel more empowered to do the same.
5. Review and evolve
Once your strategy is in place, keep the conversation going. Check in with your team after a few months:
- What’s working well?
- What could be improved?
- Are there new challenges or needs?
A good wellbeing strategy grows with your business. Stay flexible and open to feedback.
A few budget-friendly wellbeing ideas
Need inspiration? Here are some low-cost wellbeing initiatives that small businesses love:
- Walking meetings
- Flexible start/finish times
- ‘No meeting’ hours or days
- Monthly wellbeing check-ins
- Gratitude boards or shout-outs
- Sharing healthy recipes or mindfulness tips
The key is consistency — not cost.
Final thoughts
You don’t need deep pockets to show your team you care. A wellbeing strategy built on empathy, communication, and consistency can go a long way.
By listening to your people, setting clear goals, and embedding small positive habits, you create a healthier workplace, and a stronger, more resilient business.
If you would like further advice, do get in touch.