More than two-thirds (78%) of respondents who work for employee-owned businesses (EOBs) said their organisation had very good policies on health and wellbeing, according to research by the Employee Ownership Association (EOA).

Its research, Fit for work? Health and wellbeing of employees in employee-owned business, sponsored by John Lewis Partnership, found that 72% of employee owners either agreed or strongly agreed that their organisation or senior management are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of the workforce.

Almost two-thirds (69%) either agreed or strongly agreed that their immediate manager takes a positive interest in their health and wellbeing.

The research also found:

  • 80% of employee owners said they experience a sense of achievement in their jobs.
  • 80% of employee owners said they were happy to recommend their organisation as a place to work.
  • 57% of employee owners said they felt empowered and in control when it came to being involved in management decision-making.

Iain Hasdell, chief executive at the EOA, said: “It is unsurprising that employee owners feel more empowered and in control than other workers.

“Being an employee owner is not simply about ownership of shares, directly or indirectly, but empowerment and involvement in decisions about the business.

“So it’s heartening to see that job satisfaction is higher among employee owners, with four out of five happy to recommend their organisation as a place to work.”