Fewer than half of businesses show a genuine interest in the wellbeing of their employees, according to a new survey commissioned by corporate wellness specialist Right Way and carried out by Coleman Parkes Research, the independent research company.
The results show that while an increasing number of companies recognise the links between health and productivity, the remainder continue to ignore the damage that sickness can do to the bottom line.? Even more worryingly, 3% of respondents believe that their employer isn?t even meeting legal requirements.
The survey asked employees about their employer?s attitude to health and wellbeing in the workplace and 33% felt that their employer made only a token gesture above the legal requirement, and 21% thought their employer did just the bare minimum required by law.??
These statistics are particularly concerning in the light of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI’s) estimate that ill health costs UK industry ?13bn each year. Despite a number of studies showing that a wellness programme can deliver a return on investment of up to 400% in increased profitability and lower overheads, it?s clear that many companies still aren?t facing up to the reality of the situation.
Of particular interest in the report is the fact that 59% of people believe that employers should provide access to advice on stress management.? While people expect some stress in their work, they also expect to be supported in coping with it.? And recent legal cases show that where this support isn?t provided, firms can be held liable, with courts awarding significant sums in compensation to claimants. Equally, with personal stress levels increasing due to the current financial climate, employers who don?t recognize and manage the effects of stress ? however caused – will see decreases in both attendance and productivity.
In addition, just over half of respondents reported that they would like advice on posture, ergonomics and manual handling techniques ? suggesting again that employers are not always meeting their legal obligations to ensure a safe workplace.
Encouragingly, respondents did indicate an interest in improving their physical fitness. Almost half said that fitness instruction and education would improve their work-life balance, with a similar number believing that advice on the subject should be provided by the employer.?
Rob Woollen, corporate wellness manager at Right Way, said: ?Too many companies still see poor health as a problem just for the individual concerned, and believe there is nothing they can – or should – do to help.? The reality is very different.? It is possible to take the initiative, and create a happier, healthier workplace.? Put simply, when people feel fit and well, they?re more motivated, more productive, and handle stress better. That?s got to be good for any business.?
Information on setting up a wellness programme ? including a new report to help companies avoid the five most common mistakes ? can be downloaded from Right Way?s website at www.fitforwork.co.uk.
