WPA announces 2026 focus on health and wellbeing to tackle growing impact of ill health

8 January 2026

WPA has announced the launch of a comprehensive health and wellbeing focus for 2026, designed to help employers, employees, families and friends address the growing challenge of ill health and its significant impact on productivity, engagement and quality of life.

The initiative responds to the scale of the issue highlighted in the Mayfield Review, which estimates that employers lose £85 billion every year due to sickness absence, staff turnover and lost productivity. The cost of ill health that prevents people from working is equivalent to around 7% of UK GDP, and the problem continues to grow, with 800,000 more people out of work for health reasons than in 2019.

These challenges are compounded by biological, behavioural and socio-economic factors, despite the fact that much ill health is preventable. Physical inactivity, for example, is a significant contributor.

According to Hussle, the UK’s leading fitness network, a 30-minute walk each day can deliver the equivalent of a 30% increase in productivity, a 30% lower risk of depression, and a 46% improvement in stress management. Even 20 minutes of activity can increase cognitive function by 10–20%.

Obesity presents another major challenge, significantly increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint problems, some cancers and mental health conditions. Prevention, as ever, is better than cure — and corporate health spending is an investment in long-term workforce resilience.

WPA’s response is a year-long health and wellbeing focus throughout 2026, designed to mitigate the impact of employee ill health through practical, sustainable action.  The latest content, information and top tips will be shared on WPA’s social media channels and website (Improve your Health & Wellbeing | WPA Focus).

Each quarter, there will be a spotlight a specific theme:

• Nutrition will focus on how nourishing food choices support clearer thinking and a healthier body.
• Wellbeing goes beyond physical health; it is the balance between body, mind and daily habits.
• Fitness is about more than structured workouts — it is about movement that builds confidence, strength and resilience.
• Community and connection play a vital role in health. Spending time with friends, family and colleagues strengthens belonging and increases happiness.

While New Year’s resolutions often fade, sustained awareness and small, achievable changes can make a lasting difference — improving productivity at work and enjoyment at home. WPA’s approach focuses on ‘one step at a time’, recognising that when individuals thrive, so do their teams, organisations and communities.

The initiative will be supported by WPA’s Health and Wellbeing hub, available to all, offering a wide range of articles, podcasts and videos to suit different interests and needs.

Mark Southern, WPA’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Health and wellbeing is what WPA does. We’ve been doing it for years and we remain committed to supporting employers, employees and their family and friends. This initiative will inform, inspire and empower positive choices across the workplace and our personal lives.

“Leaders are increasingly recognising that health and wellbeing is not a cost, but an investment — about creating the conditions for people to thrive at work. Small steps really can make a big difference.”