Employers use varied methods to find out about the support their employees require regarding their health and wellbeing, yet more could be done to deliver the right assistance to employees, researchers concluded. The findings are drawn from responses to a survey of 500 UK-based HR professionals.
Nearly half (45%) of employers used direct feedback through line managers, to find out what health and wellbeing support their employees would find beneficial. Staff surveys were conducted by 43% of the employers surveyed, and 41% used formal reviews.
The least common was informal anecdotal feedback, used by only 38% of employers.
Less than half of the employers surveyed strongly agreed that they understood their employees’ financial (44%), social (40%), mental (43%) and physical (42%) needs.
Read more: The silent privilege of wellbeing amid the cost of living crisis
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Health and Protection, commented: “Recognition of the challenges [faced by employees] could be better across all four pillars of health and wellbeing.”
Research published by health plan provider Simplyhealth earlier this year showed that, out of 2,000 workers, 64% of 18-to-24-year-olds and 46% of people aged 55 and over were more likely to value health benefits within the workplace.
Responding to that research, Craig Williams, employee benefits director at benefits consultancy Broadstone, told HR magazine: “Younger generations typically prioritise digital-first benefits like tech-savvy wellness programmes, financial wellness tools, and continuous learning opportunities. They also value diversity and inclusion initiatives and expect flexible, remote work options."
Speaking to HR magazine, Jeanette Cook, principal strategic consultant at management consultancy Aon, added: “An ageing workforce has greater risks of ill-health so they have a focus around preventative care to support healthy ageing, with access to regular health check-ups, hearing and visual assessments being valued."
Referring to Towergate's most recent research findings, Clark also stated: “With a little guidance on what support is available […] employers will be able to benefit from healthier, happier and more engaged and productive employees.”
