Two-thirds of UK workers actively sought help with their mental and physical health and wellbeing in 2021, according to research.
Analysis by benefits outsourcer Hive360 of data from its mobile employee pay and benefits app Engage showed that two in three users had requested support in these areas.
The 2021 usage data showed that 60% of all requests for help were health-related.
Workers took advantage of access to employee assistance services, counselling, health and fitness advice, GP and doctor support services, and carer support and guidance for those who were looking after an ill or elderly relative or friend at home.
The Engage app has several features including My Health, My Money, My Work and My Discounts, which provide information, support and resources to support employees’ financial wellbeing and to give users secure and confidential access to numerous services and information. It has an average of 200,000 users each month, and saw overall engagement rise to 79% in 2021.
Hive360 chief executive David McCormack said analysis of the Engage user data confirmed that 2021 presented unique challenges thanks to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and related restrictions on people, with one of the knock-on effects for workers being a profound, negative impact on their mental and physical wellbeing throughout the last 12 months.
He explained that 2021 had a “significant” impact on the UK labour market, especially on work-related stress, burnout and techno-stress, which continue to be challenges for employers, workplaces and home-workers.
“A new report from the Health and Safety Executive has also found that more than 800,000 people experienced work-related stress, anxiety or depression, with causes cited including rising workloads, lack of support, and changes at work,” said McCormack.
“Providing the tools and benefits that support employees’ happiness and wellbeing must be at the heart of a company’s culture, and not considered a token gesture. The key is creating an employee benefits programme and portfolio that is in-tune with what they want, when they want it.”