Businesses can play a major role in supporting employees’ health as around 59 per cent say the standard of healthcare worsened in the previous year, according to YuLife.
A recent study by YuLife, which aims to improve lives, exposes alarming patterns in UK healthcare. Around 73 per cent of UK respondents believe that healthcare standards have worsened throughout their lifetime, with 55 per cent suggesting a severe decline, according to YouGov study.
Meanwhile, a record number of British adults are quitting their jobs as a result of chronic illness, and the NHS is facing difficulties like lengthy waiting lists and physician strikes as a result of this decrease.
The survey also reveals a misalignment in the priorities of healthcare, with only 12 per cent of respondents thinking that the UK healthcare system gives preventative care a higher priority than reactive treatment. The majority of people (85 per cent) only use medical services in an emergency.
Many workers feel unsupported by their employers despite the fact that companies are aware of the connection between worker health and performance at work, 81 per cent claiming enhanced physical health and 83 per cent noting mental health as increasing productivity. Just 36 per cent of workers say their present workplace provides them with enough health benefits.
The demand for private health insurance has surged due to the burden on the National Health Service (NHS); nonetheless, 84 per cent of individuals do not have such coverage. Nearly 60 per cent of people say they cannot afford it, while only 19 per cent say they would rather use NHS services.
But two-thirds (66 per cent) would think about getting private insurance if it were inexpensive. Around 22 per cent of respondents think that one of the most important things a business can do to promote the health and wellbeing of its employees is to offer private health insurance.
YuLife CEO and Founder Sammy Rubin says: “Most of us primarily interact with the healthcare system in a reactive manner – we visit our doctor when we have a problem that needs addressing. However, many common medical conditions can be prevented by making simple and accessible lifestyle changes, like walking more or taking a few minutes to meditate every day.
“Healthcare in the UK needs to adopt a more proactive and preventative mindset in order to rectify many of the issues that affect our physical and mental health, impair our productivity, and damage our society.
“Businesses can and must play a key role in encouraging and incentivising their employees to adopt healthier habits. Employers that invest in their employees’ mental and physical health reap rewards in the form of improved productivity and increased engagement and loyalty – a win-win for individuals, businesses, and society.
“With advances in technology now enabling businesses to analyse data and track which wellbeing initiatives are most effective for their employees, the time is ripe for every employer – large or small – to make a difference in getting the nation’s health back on track.”