The largest employee wellbeing risks are mental and emotional health as highlighted by 52 per cent of UK respondents in a new survey from Aon.
According to Aon’s 2022-2023 Global Wellbeing Survey, there are major changes in employee financial, emotional, physical and career wellbeing, as viewed by HR leaders in the UK compared to those reported two years ago.
The last time the survey was conducted in 2020 the highest ranked issues were work-life balance followed by mental and emotional health, and then burnout and languishing.
The survey found that 52 per cent of UK respondents also reported burnout and languishing as a main issue.
Employee ‘financial risk and stress’ was ranked as the third most important issue at 39 per cent, although this was not in the top five risks two years ago while ‘Financial risk and stress’ is ranked as fifth in the overall global results.
Meanwhile, physical health risks or conditions that have the biggest impact on company performance such as musculoskeletal (MSK), cancer and cardiovascular conditions are higher risks in the UK compared to other regions.
Around 46 per cent of respondents in the UK said that MSK had the biggest impact on their workforce compared to 26 per cent globally, followed by 42 per cent who said cancer compared to 21 per cent globally and 32 per cent who said heart disease compared to 22 per cent globally.
Aon principal strategic consultant for Health Solutions Letitia Rowlin says: “With far more people working in hybrid or remote roles than ever before, we are seeing the impact on employee wellbeing. Although hybrid and remote work is seen by many as a good or essential perk, others see it as putting their mental, physical and social wellbeing at risk.
“Risks can include a lack of social interaction and support, poor working boundaries, which can lead to overwork, and blurred lines between home and work life. Increased use of technology, including too many modes of communication, fatigue, perception of what others’ think, and a lack of belonging add to the challenge.
“In addition, the rise in the cost of living is placing people under increasing financial pressure. These factors can lead to adverse effects on wellbeing even though employers are aiming to build a more resilient workforce.
Rowlin says: “It also comes as no surprise that MSK has the biggest impact on UK workforces in terms of physical health risks. Despite employers’ best efforts, it is more challenging to manage health and safety issues related to desk ergonomics for people who are now working in remote roles. Employers can use the results of this survey to better inform their decisions on wellbeing strategy.”
The post Mental and emotional health identified as biggest employee wellbeing risk: Aon appeared first on Corporate Adviser.
