10.12.2014

Bupa Research Reveals Many Employers Fail To Offer Wellbeing Packages

As many as three in ten employees say their workplace does not offer them any health or wellbeing benefits, research from Bupa has found.
 
An international poll revealed that, despite three-quarters of managers believing healthier workplaces are more productive, a quarter of employees believe their company is "all talk and no action" when it comes to their wellbeing.
 
Additionally, around a third of employees said their job has a negative impact on their physical and mental health.
 
Across all five countries surveyed (Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and the UK), health insurance topped the list of benefits that employees would like to receive.
 
"There is enormous potential for ensuring more people adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk of chronic disease by engaging them in their place of work," said Bupa's Director of Wellbeing and Public Health Dr Fiona Adshead.
 
The report also details the business case for employers to help combat cancer, recommending that they offer employees assistance in quitting smoking and gaining access to screening programmes.

Expert Opinion

This research has highlighted worrying trends in relation to how many workers feel that their employers are merely providing lip service to the issue of their health and wellbeing, as well as staff benefits in general. <br/> <br/>"Businesses and employers should not ignore the importance of offering key benefits and incentives to their staff in order to ensure that a healthy work/life balance is promoted to them. <br/> <br/>"More than helping their physical wellbeing, such steps also mean that workers feel engaged and motivated – and ultimately feel like a valued member of the team." Fergal Dowling - Partner