13th February 2006
UnumProvident calls on UK PLC to do more to encourage a healthy workplace
A healthy working environment is still not a priority for many British employers according to new research from UnumProvident, in conjunction with Business in the Community. New data reveals that millions of British workers are denied access to the basic components of a healthy workplace – healthy food, exercise facilities, regular health check-ups and even access to an independent colleague with whom stress and work-related issues can be discussed.
In terms of employee health priorities, healthy food was voted by employees as one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. Yet the research reveals that 42 per cent (equivalent to nearly 12 million employees) of workers in the Britain do not have access to either healthy food or snacks during the working day, unless they supply them themselves.
In addition, the UK’s leading disability insurer found that 67 per cent (equivalent to nearly 19 million employees) of workers say that their employer does not help them to access exercise facilities, either by subsidising memberships, providing facilities or organising exercise-related activities.
According to the research, even employees’ mental welfare remains neglected by employers, with 43 per cent (equivalent to nearly 12 million employees) of workers saying that they do not have access to an independent person at work who they can talk to if they are feeling stressed or worried about work or life issues.
Regular health check-ups, which feature heavily in the Government’s new proposals for improving the state of the nation’s health, also fall low down on the corporate agenda, with 70 per cent (equivalent to 20 million employees) of workers stating that their employer does not provide them with regular access to health check-ups.
Perhaps surprisingly, given their reputation for fried food, on a regional basis, those Scottish workers surveyed were best catered for in terms of food at work, with 70 per cent (17 million) saying that they have access to healthy food and snacks during working hours. The worst regions were the South West (47 per cent) and Yorkshire and Humberside (49 per cent).
Catherine Sermon at BITC said:
The number of hours people spend at work makes the workplace the ideal environment in which to promote healthy lifestyles and general wellbeing. Employers must be encouraged to take an active role in helping employees to eat well and look after themselves physically and mentally. In the long-term this investment will almost certainly be repaid with lower levels of sickness absence and increased levels of productivity.
Commenting on the research findings, UnumProvident Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael O’Donnell, said:
The results are very interesting. In my professional opinion provision of healthy food options and exercise access at work are an extremely positive step for employers to take.
It is interesting that health screening appears so valued by employees, but may well be missing the point as it is lifestyle and work-life balance which probably better predicts wellbeing in the workplace.
Employees who feel valued and who enjoy going to work are self-evidently more likely to attend work on a regular basis even if they have health problems. A holistic approach to employee health and wellbeing is most likely to pay dividends.
The UnumProvident Healthy Workplaces Award recognises those companies that are improving the health and well-being of employees. The closing date for entry for this year’s award, as well as other Business in the Community Awards for Excellence, is 3rd March, 2006.
Further details, along with an application pack and guidance notes, can be found on the Business in the Community’s website www.bitc.org.uk/awards or contact Grace Mehanna at Business in the Community on 0207 566 6651.
ENDS