Some 70% of UK employees rate health MOTs as the most important wellbeing benefit on their wish list, according to research by health assessment provider Bluecrest Wellness.
Its Find out now report, which surveyed 2,009 individuals, including 1,437 in employment, found that private diagnosis and treatment support also topped the list of in-demand health benefits, with three-quarters of respondents interested in health insights in order to feel more confident in their health. This was followed by cashback at opticians or dentists (68%), physio sessions (60%), mental health support (55%) and GP access (54%).
Three-fifths (61%) were mostly interested in health assessments to find some peace of mind, while 60% wanted to be able to identify health risks early. As many as 70% wanted to know about their cancer risk and heart health, followed by stroke risk (52%).
The findings also revealed that three-quarters work when sick, and more than half are unwilling to make a GP appointment about their symptoms. Their reasons for doing so included not wanting to let down their teams, feeling pressured to be at work, or not wanting to bother the NHS.
Dominique Kent, chief executive officer at Bluecrest Wellness, said: “This is crucial for businesses, which are seeing an overall increase in demand for health benefits but are struggling to make difficult budget choices. The focus for health benefits to date has very much been on treatment. There has been a gap both in terms of access, and in terms of prevention. Health MOTs are a potentially workforce-wide benefit that are both highly valued and valuable, supporting engagement, safeguarding staff wellbeing, and providing crucial data to drive wider strategies.”
Dr Martin Thornton, chief medical officer at Bluecrest Wellness, added: “People want to take charge of their health and get ahead of it, and they’re looking to workplaces to support them. The good news for both individuals and the businesses they work for is that when people do get health insight and understand what’s going on inside their bodies, they take action.”
