11 February 2008
Companies unwilling to invest in employee "wellbeing" programs
UK research shows lack of guidance and compelling incentives proving main barriers.
British businesses know the value of workplace health but remain reluctant to invest due to a gap in guidance and a lack of incentives, according to a new report from UK insurance group, Norwich Union Healthcare.
The report states that 64% of businesses surveyed believe employee wellbeing has a direct impact on the productivity levels of their workforce. However, a lack of knowledge and Government aid in developing guidelines and initiatives is a major hurdle:
- 33% of employers don’t invest more due to a lack of government incentives.
- 24% don’t know where to access occupational health information, rising to 43% among small businesses.
Comprehensive date from across businesses
Employers, employees and GPs were surveyed for the report, which examines why workplace health continues to challenge businesses:
- Sickness absence remains companies’ most pressing workplace health concern (40%).
- An aging workforce is a concern for large companies (20%).
Other key findings from the report include: - 79% of business believe they have a “duty of care” towards their employees.
- 82% of business and 69% of employees agree that the responsibility for health in the workplace is mutual between employer and employee.
- 59% of employees agree with businesses that employers should be more proactive in terms of providing workplace health solutions.
Companies know the value of workplace health but many are unaware of the services already available to them
Work to be done on both sides
Dr Douglas Wright, Norwich Union Healthcare, said the research reveals a significant “guidance gap” in employers’ approach to workplace health.
“Companies know the value of workplace health but many are unaware of the services already available to them and believe that more financial incentives are needed to encourage a better approach to occupational health,” says Dr Wright.
“Our report shows that it’s important to bridge that gap, embed the enthusiasm that exists on all sides on occupational health and move towards putting workable solutions in place.”
A global problem
Employee health and wellbeing is of increasing importance to organizations in many regions. Research published in April 2007 in Australia showed that workplace stress and depression is rife among professionals, with many turning to alcohol and drugs to deal with their stresses and depression rather than talking to managers about problems.
Communications can help
In an article for The Hub, Kent J. Martini, CEO, RSVP Stress says that although some stress can be a positive influence, most stress felt in workplaces is often destructive. However, communications have a role to play in reducing the effects of stress.
Every year, more than US$100 billion dollars are lost to businesses worldwide as a result of employee stress
“Every year, more than US$100 billion dollars are lost to businesses worldwide as a result of employee stress. Lost productivity, higher medical bills, anger towards co-workers and managers, and higher employee turnover can all result from workplace stress,” says Martini. “Improving communications within an organization, for example being open, honest and encouraging frequent communication, is one of the best ways to reduce stress in the workplace,” he adds.
Have your say
Does your company want to do more with employee health programs? Discuss this issue with other comms practitioners by joining the Internal Comms Hub members' group on the Communicators' Network.
Related articles and resources:
Six ways better communication can reduce workplace stress
Companies urged to talk to employees about stress.
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