The research found just 57 per cent of UK employers agreed that good health makes good business sense, compared to 85 per cent in Australia and 82 per cent in Poland. Meanwhile just over half – 58 per cent – of UK employers think that an unhealthy workforce is a risk to business performance, compared to 81 per cent in New Zealand and 80 per cent in Spain.
Bupa argues huge potential remains for employee health and wellbeing initiatives to help tackle ill-health and chronic diseases such as cancer.
The research found that 64 per cent of UK employers agreed that a healthy workforce is a more productive one. But 40 per cent of employees said their employer offers no health or wellbeing benefits and 28 per cent of employees said that when it comes to wellbeing, their company is all talk but no action.
More than a third of employees – 37 per cent – said that their job has a negative impact on their physical health, and 36 per cent said it has a negative impact on their mental health. Yet 50 per cent of employees said they would be more productive if they felt healthier, suggesting that workplace health is a win-win for both employers and employees.
Bupa UK corporate director Patrick Watt says: “Employers have a clear role to play in supporting the health and wellbeing of their workforce. There is huge potential for employers to engage employees and support them to adopt healthier lifestyles through workplace health and wellbeing initiatives. Not only will this benefit the individual, but smart employers know that healthier employers come to work, perform at their peak and go the extra mile.”
