The Problem with Bolt-on Wellbeing - from the expert.

Why Workplace Wellbeing Needs to Go Beyond Perks: Insights from Stuart Mace

If you've ever found yourself questioning whether your company's wellbeing initiatives actually work, you're not alone. In my latest episode of The HR & Wellbeing Insider, I spoke with Stuart Mace, a specialist and advocate in workplace health and wellbeing, whose powerful journey and thoughtful insights illuminate why wellbeing strategies must run deeper than perks and apps.

From Recruitment to Realisation

Stuart didn't set out to become a wellbeing expert. Originally a health and fitness science graduate, his career took him through managing premium health clubs, then into recruitment, where he stayed for over a decade. But it was here that Stuart witnessed firsthand the darker sides of workplace dynamics—power struggles, narcissism, and the ease with which people could be discarded. He increasingly asked himself, "Are we really supporting our employees, or are we just replacing them when things get tough?"

This question became personal when Stuart's wife faced severe mental health struggles during the pandemic, a crisis that forced him to reconsider his career path profoundly. Realising the limitations in how workplaces handle mental health issues became Stuart’s turning point—prompting him to retrain and focus specifically on workplace wellbeing.

The Problem with "Bolt-On" Wellbeing

One of Stuart’s key messages is that businesses often fail because they treat wellbeing as an add-on rather than an integrated core function. He argues strongly against the idea that wellbeing can be measured purely through a return on investment in traditional financial terms. Instead, Stuart emphasises that the true "ROI" for wellbeing lies in reduced legal risks, healthier employees, and creating workplaces where people genuinely thrive.

Simplifying Workplace Wellbeing

Workplace wellbeing strategies don't have to be complex. Stuart shared his three-pillar model inspired by the work of Professor Tony LaMontagne:

• Protect (Prevent Harm): Identify and reduce workplace stressors and hazards at their source.

• Promote Positive Wellbeing: Encourage practices that enhance mental and physical health.

• Support and Manage: Offer robust support for those already struggling.

Too often, organisations focus excessively on the "Support" pillar—benefits, apps, and services—and neglect the root causes of workplace stress and harm.

Leadership and Legacy

Stuart challenges leaders to consider their legacy—what they'll be remembered for beyond quarterly bonuses and revenue targets. He points out the powerful influence of leadership behaviour, emphasising the importance of role-modelling wellbeing practices:

• Avoid sending emails out of hours.

• Respect holidays and downtime.

• Publicly prioritise people alongside profits.

By simply adjusting these behaviours, leaders can significantly impact the workplace culture and employee wellbeing.

Practical Steps Forward

If your business is ready to move beyond superficial solutions, Stuart suggests two practical starting points:

1. Meet Your People Where They Are: Understand your workforce deeply—who they are, their work patterns, their stresses—and build strategies around their real needs.

2. Ask the Right Questions: When employees struggle, instead of defaulting to policy, ask them directly, "What's the best next step we can take to support your wellbeing right now?" This simple shift can transform how issues are managed and resolved.

Final Thoughts

Stuart’s journey underscores a vital lesson for every HR professional and leader: workplace wellbeing isn’t a side issue—it's fundamental to organisational success. True wellbeing goes beyond apps, perks, and policy manuals. It requires genuine commitment, thoughtful strategies, and a leadership legacy built on care and empathy.

If Stuart’s insights resonated with you, catch the full podcast episode for even more valuable takeaways.

Follow our socials - Youtube, Spotify, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok - and see stories, tips and news on all things People & Wellbeing.

Best Regards,

Paul ✌🏻