Eight out of ten people believe firms are not doing enough to support the physical and mental wellbeing of their employees, according to a new survey.
The survey by Westfield Health shows 86% of people believe companies are not doing enough to help staff deal with work-related stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. It also reveals that seven out of 10 people believe the NHS does not have the funding to provide wellbeing services, such as health check-ups and cognitive behavioural therapy. In addition, six out of 10 people would like to see the Government do more to promote the physical and mental health of workers.
And almost three quarters of people said they would like to see more of their National Insurance contributions go towards employee wellbeing programmes.
“It was recently reported that Britain’s productivity is 16% behind the other G7 nations,” said Westfield Health’s commercial director, David Capper.
“With Brexit just around the corner, it’s time to ask the question what part could a healthy, happy workforce play in helping UK businesses close this gap in productivity.
“From sleep to nutrition and mental health to physical fitness, there are so many elements that contribute to your overall wellness, happiness and healthiness,” added Mr Capper.
“As business leaders, we need to create a culture where our people’s health and wellbeing is prioritised to drive confidence, capability, inspiration and ultimately prosperity.”
Dr Anouska Carter, a principal researcher from the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University added: “Poor lifestyle choices in an aging population is crippling the NHS, due to an increased incidence of such conditions as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. The prevention of chronic disease and maintenance of good health, require complex lifestyle behaviour change interventions that are based on sound scientific principles.”
“There is an urgent need for a new approach to stem the rapid increase in chronic disease.
“Workplaces have the opportunity to offer the ideal setting for a preventative approach to health and wellbeing, with adults spending most of their waking hours at work,” added Dr Carter.