{"id":3267,"date":"2024-02-15T18:18:19","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T10:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.uk\/blog\/?p=3267"},"modified":"2024-02-15T18:18:19","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T10:18:19","slug":"health-issues-affecting-uk-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.uk\/blog\/health-issues-affecting-uk-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Issues at Work Affect 68% of UK Employees"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, it is imperative that we prioritise the health and well-being of employees. Health issues such as back pain, cardiovascular disease, exhaustion, and mental fatigue remain a critical issue for many workers in the UK, underscoring the need for increased support from employers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unexpectedly, the number of people on long-term sick leave is rising, resulting in significant economic losses each year. These urgent concerns remind us that different industries face unique health challenges that require tailored solutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this <\/span>Pacific Prime UK<\/span><\/a> article, we will delve into the importance of supporting employees to stay well at work, explore today’s challenges, and highlight the significance of sector-specific approaches to address diverse health concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Impact of Employment to Health<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our jobs and workplaces have a significant influence on our health and well-being since adults in employment dedicate a substantial amount of their time to work. This impact extends beyond individuals and affects their families and communities as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Numerous studies provide compelling evidence that good work positively affects health and well-being throughout a person’s life, not only in terms of economic benefits but also in enhancing their overall quality of life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When we refer to “good work,” we are not only considering a safe work environment but also factors such as a sense of security, autonomy, effective line management, and clear communication within the organisation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, <\/span>government research<\/span><\/a> indicates that high-quality work plays a protective role in preventing social exclusion and promoting well-being. This is achieved through the provision of the following:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Income: <\/b>Good quality work ensures a reliable income that contributes to financial stability and well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Social Interaction:<\/b> Meaningful work fosters opportunities for social engagement and connection, promoting a sense of belonging and support.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Core Role: <\/b>Engaging in work that aligns with an individual’s skills and interests provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Identity and Purpose:<\/b> Meaningful work helps individuals develop a sense of identity, self-worth, and a clear sense of purpose in their lives.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    On the other hand, the negative impact of employment on health and well-being is commonly associated with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity, including the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Long-Term Illness:<\/b> Chronic illnesses that last over a long period of time and require continuous monitoring and treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Cardiovascular Disease<\/b>: Conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Poor Mental Health:<\/b> Emotional and psychological difficulties impairing well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Suicide:<\/b> Intentional act of ending one’s own life.<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Health-Harming Behaviours:<\/b> Actions with negative impact on physical and mental well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Health Problems and Challenges UK Employees Face<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Today, UK employees face issues with health problems stemming from the workplace, inadequate healthcare support from their employers, and inadequate access to mental health support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      High Prevalence of Health Problems at Work<\/span><\/h3>\n

      According to research by <\/span>Simplyhealth<\/span><\/a>, almost 68% of employees have reported suffering from health problems at work. This section highlights the findings of a survey conducted among 4,000 UK adults regarding their workplace health and wellbeing.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Inadequate Support from Employers<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Approximately 70% of the survey respondents expressed the opinion that employee health support schemes should be offered by every employer. Moreover, 36% of employers do not provide health schemes such as health cash plans, employee assistance programs, or private medical insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Inadequate Mental Health Support<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Nearly 61% of employees who have experienced mental health challenges expressed a desire for mental health support. Additionally, access to counselling was identified by 24% of respondents as a factor that would make them happier, and 21% believed it would enhance their productivity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      For a better overview, below is a table summarising a <\/span>survey conducted by Simplyhealth<\/span><\/a> surrounding the challenges that UK employees face in relation to workplace health and wellbeing:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      UK Employee Workplace Health Survey (Sample Group n = 4000)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      68% of employees reported suffering from health problems at work.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Nearly 19 million days are taken off due to physical health problems alone.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      25% of respondents felt their workplace did not support managing their pain.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      42% attributed back pain to a lack of access to physiotherapy support.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      20% believe workplace benefits offering physiotherapy access would increase happiness.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      70% think every employer should offer employee health support schemes.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      36% of employers do not offer health schemes like health cash plans or private medical insurance.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      61% of employees with mental health challenges want managers to direct them to mental health support.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      24% believe access to counselling would increase happiness.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      21% think it would improve productivity.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      46% of managers have received no training to support employees with health problems.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      39% are unsure of how to guide employees to health services or benefits provided by the employer.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

       <\/p>\n

      A Call for Tailored Employee Benefits Solutions<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Employers should look to provide <\/span>employee benefits<\/span><\/a> that take into account all their financial, health, and workplace related needs, especially as they age into different stages of their careers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      By supporting employees on the following fronts, they will be able to live healthier lives within and outside the workplace:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Financial Well-Being<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Offering retirement benefits to employees has a significant influence on their current and future lives. By doing so, a strong bond of trust and commitment is established between the employer and the employee, which encourages employees to stay with the company and improve productivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Although setting up and managing retirement benefit plans can be time-consuming and expensive, it ultimately contributes to improved employee retention by showing that the employer recognizes and supports employees at different stages of their career paths.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Physical and Mental Wellbeing\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Approximately a quarter of workers in the UK have stated that they have a physical health condition, but less than half of them feel that their employer provides adequate support for their physical and emotional well-being.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      As an employer, you have the opportunity to enhance physical health and aid employees with existing physical conditions by implementing employee health and wellness programs focused on physical well-being and by sharing health-related tips.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Workplace Benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n

      Workplace benefits are focused on making the workplace a pleasant and fun place to work, helping employees look forward to arriving at work each and every day, and treating the workplace not only as an office but also as a refuge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      In addition to enhancing your work environment with the usual recreational activity rooms for exercise and providing amenities like coffee and occasional lunch, workplace benefits can extend further to include:<\/span><\/p>\n