As average salaries in Wales remain lower than many other UK regions, financial pressure is widespread. Workers in Wales revealed they need an annual income of £42,000 to live comfortably, a figure significantly higher than the regional average salary of £36,000. This disparity has created a substantial ‘comfort gap’ of £6,000.

On top of this, Reed’s latest salary guides highlight that nearly three quarters of workers (71%) say salary is now more important than it was before the cost‑of‑living crisis, underlining the strain many employees are feeling as everyday costs continue to rise. For some, this pressure is particularly acute, with a proportion of workers reporting little, or no, disposable income left after essential bills.

Alongside this, separate research shows that almost one-in-four (24%) workers in Wales say they have been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition in the past, the highest reported proportion of any UK region. This highlights the scale of wellbeing challenges facing the Welsh workforce.

While salary remains important, Reed’s salary guides suggests pay alone is no longer enough to create long-term stability. With limited scope for large pay increases in many roles, employees are increasingly focused on the overall employment package, including benefits that support wellbeing, flexibility and security.

Becky Hole, Regional Director at Reed based in the Cardiff office, commented: “In Wales, financial pressure and mental health challenges are closely linked. Our data shows that many employees are placing greater importance on stability and support, particularly where salary growth is constrained. This means benefits that support work‑life balance and mental wellbeing are becoming a much more important part of how valued people feel at work.

“Organisations that prioritise employee wellbeing also benefit in tangible ways. By providing stronger support for mental health, employers can lower staff turnover and reduce the long-term costs linked to ongoing recruitment and the loss of skilled, experienced employees.”

What could help workers destress?

When it comes to mental health support, over a third of workers in Wales say they want more flexible working arrangements (35%), better communication about available mental health support (30%), and improved mental health training for managers (34%).

However, when looking at the benefits employees currently receive, a gap remains. In Wales, the most commonly reported benefits are onsite parking (28%), flexi time (26%), and hybrid working (23%). While these benefits are valued, nearly one in five (18%) receive no benefits at all.

Becky adds: “What this shows is a disconnect between what employees say would most help them manage stress and how clearly mental health support is currently embedded and communicated. However, Cardiff stands out when it comes to flexi time, with a higher proportion of employers offering this benefit compared to other regions - a positive step given its proven role in supporting employee wellbeing and work‑life balance.

“Flexible working, open conversations about mental health and managers who are properly trained all come through strongly as priorities. Employers have a responsibility to look after their people, and those who want to help their workforce truly destress need to ensure their benefits are visible, accessible and actively support everyday mental resilience.”

As Mental Health Awareness Week encourages employees to pause and reflect, businesses in Wales must also consider how they can help their people keep calm and destress - particularly as those organisations will be best placed to retain skills, stability and trust over the long term.

If you are looking for a talented professional to join your team, or a new opportunity in Cardiff, get in touch with one of our local recruiters, today