Health and Wellbeing Challenges in the Workplace
Alan Kitto
A recent study by Willis Towers Watson, one of the country’s largest providers of employee healthcare and risk management services has highlighted a number of interesting challenges for employers:
30% of employees believe that their employers have a moral responsibility to help them lead a fit and healthy lifestyle
47% of employees say that their job hinders weight loss; 49% say long working hours prevented gym visits, 45% say that work-related stress prompts unhealthy food choices and 40% say that their role is sedentary. 31% of employees who have been in their current role for two years or more report putting on weight in the last two years
58% of employees say they or their colleagues smoke or vape during working hours. 64% of non-smokers or vapers don’t take regular breaks from working tasks; 48% because they are too busy, 16% because they forget and 13% because they worry they will be judged by colleagues
51% of employees say that mobile and remote working technologies have led to them doing work outside of their contracted hours (65% higher earners and 41% lower earners). 69% said this increased stress levels
23% of employees suffer with a musculoskeletal condition (affecting the joints, bones or muscles); 33% of those were aged over 55 and 18% aged 18-24. 68% said there job was a contributing factor and 22% said it was the main reason. 51% said their condition impacts on their ability to do their job and 71% expressed concern that future NHS treatment will be restricted.