More than half (59%) of employers admitted they are concerned about their employees’ mental health, according to new research by Everywhen.
The employee benefits firm surveyed 500 UK HR decision makers. It found that the mental health of staff, such as increased anxiety as a result of pressures including the cost of living, increased targets, and covering for colleagues off work or not replaced, are respondents’ biggest health and wellbeing concerns regarding their employees.
Almost half (49%) said they were concerned with the physical health of their staff, including difficulty seeing GPs and dentists, NHS pressures, and delays in being diagnosed and treated for illness, as well as financial wellbeing and financial pressures faced.
A third (34%) said they were concerned about the social health of their staff, such as isolation from hybrid working.
Nearly half (49%) said they will focus on their employees’ mental health this coming year, while 27% will prioritise financial health and 26% will focus on health screenings.
A quarter (25%) will prioritise general fitness, along with 24/7 access to a virtual GP and preventative support, lifestyle and behaviour changes (19%), and cancer and heart disease (17%).
A total of 18% will focus on planning for retirement, caring responsibilities, including children and the elderly, and menstruation and menopause. Meanwhile, ageing well and living well for longer, and dental care will be a priority for 15%.
Neurodiversity, male-specific cancers and men’s mental health, and chronic and long-term illnesses will be looked at by 14%.
Furthermore, 12% will focus on addiction, 11% on fertility, pregnancy and baby loss, 7% on weight loss and 6% on musculoskeletal issues.
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Everywhen, said: “We carried out comprehensive research to find out employers’ priorities for this year, including asking about a wide range of important issues. The fact that mental health came so high above other priorities shows just how significant the concern is at present and for the future. All areas of health and wellbeing have an impact on mental health, and the mental health of those around us can have an impact too. A full and rounded approach to supporting the whole health and wellbeing of all employees is likely to be the most effective option.”
