Employees have reduced spending on routine healthcare such as dental check-ups, eye tests and physiotherapy appointments, according to findings from Health Shield Friendly Society
According to its ‘Britain at Work’ report, based on a survey of 2,000 UK employees, 75% of workers have cut back on routine healthcare spending, 33% have cancelled health check-ups, such as dental appointments, to save money. At the same time, the figure rises to 36 % among women.
The report also found that nearly half (48%) of employees believe cost-of-living pressures are affecting their ability to do their jobs, but among workers aged 18 to 27, this rises sharply to 71%.
Meanwhile, 72% of employees say they worry about the cost of living at least once a week and 29% worrying about money every day.
Health Shield director Paul Shires says: “The cost-of-living crisis is now having a clear impact on people’s ability to work, with many employees feeling financial pressure is affecting their focus, productivity and overall wellbeing day to day. It is particularly concerning to see the scale of the impact on younger workers, who are often more financially vulnerable.
“We are seeing people cut back on routine healthcare, skip meals or delay seeking support because they simply cannot afford the extra cost. When employees put off dental appointments, physiotherapy or optical care, smaller health concerns can quickly become more serious and harder to manage later on.
“Employers have an opportunity to support staff through practical health benefits that help people access affordable care while easing some of the wider financial pressure many workers are facing.”
PTHR founder and chief energy officer Perry Timms says: “These findings highlight how closely financial wellbeing and workforce health are now connected. Employees are not only dealing with pressure at work, but also making difficult decisions at home about food, healthcare and other essentials. That inevitably has an impact on concentration, energy levels and overall wellbeing.
“What stands out is that many employees appear to be coping on the surface, while absorbing a significant level of financial and emotional strain underneath. Organisations that recognise this wider picture and take steps to support employees more holistically will be better placed to maintain engagement, morale and long-term workforce stability.”
Broadstone Financial Solutions head of workplace wellbeing Emily Jones says: “The Britain at work report highlights a growing trend of workers delaying or skipping check-ups due to cost pressures.
“Brokers who position themselves as consultative partners, rather than transactional intermediaries, will be best placed to deepen client relationships. By aligning benefits strategies with the lived realities of employees with long NHS waits, rising anxiety, financial strain, and widening generational inequalities, brokers can help clients design support that is not only relevant and future-proof, but fundamentally preventative.”