EXCLUSIVE: For the 14th consecutive year, the majority (85%) of respondents believe they have a duty of care to encourage employees to achieve a sensible work-life balance, according to research by Employee Benefits.
The Employee Benefits/Health Shield Healthcare research 2019, which surveyed 202 HR decision makers and influencers, also found that helping employees to reduce stress (70%), guiding them to visit healthcare professionals in a timely manner (64%), ensuring they take their full holiday entitlement (68%) and aiding them to maintain mental health resilience (68%) have consistently remained among respondents’ top obligations towards their employees.
The proportion of respondents that offer an integrated wellness strategy, incorporating physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing has changed little since this question was first asked in 2017, despite some slight fluctuations in percentages. This year, 32% take an integrated, holistic approach, compared with 33% in 2018 and 38% in 2017.
The proportion that are planning to move towards an integrated strategy has also remained similarly consistent. All aspects of employee wellbeing have now been proven to impact key business issues. Furthermore, the impact of one area of wellbeing on another, for example the toll financial stress can take on mental and even physical wellness, suggests that employers that take an inclusive approach are likely to see considerable benefits.
Click to download the Employee Benefits/Health Shield Healthcare research 2019
