New research has highlighted considerable demand among UK workers for benefits that encourage a more healthy lifestyle.
Four out of 10 employees said that wanted health insurance to be added to a workplace benefits packages, while more than a third (34 per cent) would like discounted gym membership. A further 28 per cent said they would like access to rewards linked to physical activity.
The research, from employee services business Personal Group, found that many employees remain physically inactive during their working day: with 70 per cent only moving from their desk or workplace once an hour, and almost four out of 10 (38 per cent) only moving every couple of hours.
However this data shows many employees recognise this is a potential problem, and are keen for their employers to help them reduce this physical inactivity.
The survey found a third of workers are happy to share personal health data, if they can access health benefits.
The survey found that respondents aged 45-54 were the most reticent about employers having access to their health data with 45 per cent stating they don’t think that employers should be allowed access to this information.
Men were more willing to share this data than women, and were generally more enthusiastic about health-related employee benefits. For example the survey found 15 per cent of men wanted to see a cycle to work scheme (compared to 8 per cent of women), whereas as 13 per cent were enthusiastic about a video doctor service (compared to 9 per cent of women).
However women were more likely to support the idea physical challenges to increase activity – such as inter-departmental ‘step’ challenges.
Personal Group’s HR director Rebecca Tapping days: “Being active at work can be difficult. We can see from this research just how much of the UK’s workforce is neglecting physical wellbeing during the working day, and that many are in fact looking to their employers to support them in the area.
“It is surprising to see that so many people would be happy to share their personal health data if their employer provided physical health benefits, but it demonstrates a clear opportunity here for employers to help increase the wellbeing of their workforce, increase productivity and create an environment where people want to work.”