What makes a healthy workplace?
Did you know a healthy workplace can influence productivity, health, and well-being? Unsurprisingly, better employee health can bring significant benefits for businesses. As a bonus, health insurance can support this and help ensure fewer days off sick!
Here are some tips to create a healthier workplace:
- Bring your own lunch to work. Ask your employer to ensure the kitchen is well-equipped. Most are happy to help.
- Going for walks, runs, swims, or hitting the gym at lunchtime can lead to a more focused afternoon at work. Speak to a local fitness club about offering discount memberships for the whole office.
- Print out simple exercise guides to place around the workplace.
- Establish a ‘break-out’ room where employees can make personal phone calls or have some quiet time.
Health insurance company Vitality reviewed the data from their Britain’s Healthiest Workplace study. The results may surprise you… Keep reading to find out more!
Employees are losing a significant amount of time due to ill health.
On average, organisations are losing 49.7 days of productivity per employee each year. Of this, 90% is due to reduced productivity, and the remainder is due to health-related absences.
The rate of productivity in the UK is declining, more than doubling since 2014. As a result, low productivity costs the UK economy £138 billion per year.
On the flip side, healthier employees lose less productive time. Vitality data shows that those in better health lose just 32 days of productivity a year, compared to a significant 81 days for those in poor health.
Improving employee health is complex and requires a personalised, data-driven approach.
Mental and physical health are closely linked to employee productivity. Those at risk of depression and burnout lose more days each year—109 and 93 days, respectively—compared to 43 and 42 days for those not at risk.
Employees with lower exercise levels lose up to two weeks of work compared to those who are more active and eat a better diet.
The data indicates that UK employees face a range of health risks: 37% are physically inactive, 56% eat an unhealthy diet, and 23% are obese (58% are overweight). Meanwhile, 10% suffer from anxiety or depression. Combined, these risks affect nearly all UK employees, with 81% encountering at least one lifestyle health risk, and 96% suffering from at least one lifestyle or clinical risk.
How can the workplace impact our health?
Organisations can adopt a personalised approach to meet different needs.
For example, 46.5 is the average number of interventions offered by employers. While 70% of employees are aware of these interventions, only 25% have used them. The good news is that 85% of staff who did use the interventions found them useful!
The data shows that some employees lack motivation to improve their lifestyles, such as addressing smoking, diet, and alcohol intake. However, this is where interventions can make a significant difference.
How can health insurance help?
Employees with access to health insurance can be more active. For instance, the Vitality Programme helps 8% more employees reach the recommended exercise guidelines. They are also at a lower risk of depression (11% lower).
The data reveals that employees on a Vitality business health scheme are happier. This often comes down to feeling that their employer cares, with fewer experiencing lower job satisfaction (13% less).
On average, this results in an additional two and a half productive days per year for employees!
Take our quick poll: Do you feel supported by your workplace or health insurance policy? Hit ‘reply’ with a, b, or c…
- Yes, my workplace and health insurance are great!
b. I think my workplace and health insurance could be improved.
c. No, my workplace and health insurance are terrible! Can you help me get better support?
Get in touch today – 01494 358 835
Source: https://adviser.vitality.co.uk/insights/three-key-insights-from-britains-healthiest-workplace/