Employee wellbeing specialists take a holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of employees, looking at all aspects of wellbeing such as physical, mental, financial, and social. As well as looking at the organisation conditions that impact employee wellbeing, they also work in partnership with specialist partners (for example, Occupational Health) to provide health and wellbeing solutions to employees.

What does a wellbeing specialist do?

Wellbeing specialists understand how the organisational system impacts wellbeing, in terms of leadership, policies, management approaches and role design. And they develop strategies and plans to improve these. They also take an operational perspective, developing policies and programmes that directly support wellbeing, such as offering financial support programmes, access to mental health support, exercise classes or policies around additional time off when needed. 

Wellbeing specialists have to work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to understand what elements of work have the greatest positive and negative impact on wellbeing, and work with metrics such as sickness data to understand trends and patterns in wellness. They have to be understanding and empathetic in recognising how different elements of people’s lives impact their wellbeing, and how the workplace can support them. 

They work with external and internal partners who are subject matter experts in different aspects of wellbeing to create wellbeing solutions, drive education, and improve wellbeing capability across the organisation.

Your typical activities

Here are some of the activities you can expect to be involved in as a wellbeing specialist: 

  • Using quantitative and qualitative people data to identify health and wellbeing trends and priorities. 
  • Creating diverse and person-centred approaches which meet the wellbeing needs of employees. 
  • Working with other people professionals to gather data and insights on the wellbeing of the workforce.  
  • Identify the interdependences between EDI and wellbeing and how to drive inclusivity to improve wellbeing. 
  • Identify and work with expert partner organisations and suppliers to deliver wellbeing programmes.

Types of roles in wellbeing

Here is a shortlist of the types of job titles you might find in wellbeing. As you can see, wellbeing specialists are at all levels of experience and seniority: 

  • Employee health and wellbeing advisor 
  • Wellbeing facilitator 
  • Wellbeing manager 
  • Wellbeing lead 
  • Head of wellbeing.

Develop your knowledge in wellbeing

Wellbeing standards

Each standard progresses through four levels of impact. Which level do you most embody in your day-to-day work?

Wellbeing resources

Explore our Knowledge hub resources to learn about the business benefits of championing worker wellbeing.

CIPD learning courses in wellbeing

Employee Wellbeing

Implement employee wellbeing practices that are good for people, good for performance and good for organisational success.

Workplace Wellbeing Essential Insights

See how encouraging and promoting employee wellbeing helps your organisation and those who work in it to thrive.

Career options in the
people profession

Explore the twelve career areas within the people profession, and the typical activities you may find yourself doing

Read more
Callout Image

Career guidance

Information and guidance to help you excel in your role, transition into the profession, and manage a career break

Read more
Callout Image