Organisations should have to report on employee health and wellbeing initiatives
The findings are from our Healthier Nation Index, a comprehensive survey of just over 8,000 UK adults. The Index, which offers one of the most detailed looks at the nation’s health since the start of the pandemic, highlights the significant impact of Covid-19 on our physical and mental health.
It reveals that on average, a third of UK adults feel their physical health is worse than spring last year, while 41% say their mental or emotional health has suffered. The data comes as organisations are considering how they will look after the mental and physical health of their staff in the new flexible working environment, with millions of people continuing to work from home.
Gen Zs aged between 16 and 24 were the most likely to support mandatory reporting rules, with a quarter thinking that companies should have to report what physical health and wellbeing initiatives they have in place to support staff.
The Healthier Nation Index also found that to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of their staff:
- 37% think businesses should make resources available on how to boost mental and physical wellbeing
- 30% believe employers should be responsible for organising specific activities designed to boost mental and physical wellbeing
- 33% think employers should offer subsidised or free gym memberships for staff, while 25% think companies should offer subsidised or free access to digital fitness or wellbeing apps
- 26% think that mental and physical wellbeing champions should be introduced within companies.
This shift in reporting expectations follows a surge in non-financial reporting requirements, with some businesses now required to disclose information on areas including gender pay, supply chain management and energy efficiency.
Dr Davina Deniszczyc, medical director at Nuffield Health, said: “Covid-19 has forced us all to take increased personal responsibility for our own health, but we need to extend this in order to prevent other forms of illness and help to tackle the significant impact of the pandemic.
Whether at home or in the office, most people spend eight hours or more a day working. The responsibility of employers has never been more important, and they need to be encouraged to take the health of their employees seriously. Employers need to provide opportunities for all their staff, whether they are working at home or in the office, to prevent or screen for health conditions by offering access to things like exercise classes, bike schemes, mental health support or by carrying out health checks as part of their employee wellbeing programmes.”
For further insights on this topic, watch our panel discussion exploring the importance of embedding good mental wellbeing into the DNA of your organisation, focusing on the new standard in psychological health and safety in the workplace, ISO 45003.
Read more about our Healthier Nation Index, including a range of helpful resources and articles to share with your employees. These cover many areas identified in the Index that people need support with such as mental health, becoming more active and social anxiety.
This article is provided by Nuffield Health.
In partnership with Nuffield Health
Nuffield Health are the UK's largest healthcare charity & the market leader in corporate healthcare.
