Two-thirds (67%) of UK employees claim their employer does not offer any opportunities to get fit and healthy, according to research by the British Health Foundation.
Its Health at work research, which surveyed 2,000 UK employees, also found that 35% of respondents said their employers do not care about their happiness and wellbeing in the workplace.
The research has been released as part of National Heart Month in February.
Additional findings include:
- 18% of respondents rated daily stress levels as seven out of 10 or above.
- 39% claimed stress from work made them feel more tired than usual.
- 11% of respondents failed to do any exercise on an average working day.
- 34% admitted to taking one or more sick days during an average month.
Lisa Purcell, project manager for Health at Work at the British Heart Foundation, said: “These survey results paint a worrying picture of workplace health.
“Workers seem to be suffering a toxic combination of unhealthy foods, lack of exercise and high levels of stress. Many of us spend 60% of our waking hours at work and the daily grind can have a serious impact on the health of workers across the UK.
“In the current financial climate, it is clear the focus must be on productivity in the workplace. But employers must realise a healthy workforce is key to less stress, better teamwork and improved motivation, which results in increased productivity and fewer sick days.
“This National Heart Month we are calling on the bosses of Britain to help get their employees fit and healthy. When it comes to thinking about your health, your heart is the best place to start and a few small changes can make a huge difference.”
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