The majority of employers, 57 per cent, state that mental health is their top concern regarding their employees in light of hybrid working, according to Towergate Health & Protection.
According to the research conducted with companies of all sizes across the UK, 49 per cent reported concerns about their employees’ physical health and wellbeing, 44 per cent about financial health, and 44 per cent about social wellbeing.
The data also showed that 60 per cent of employers now prioritise mental health support.
It found that mental health issues range from low mood and stress to severe depression and anxiety, with underlying causes like financial pressures, grief, work stress, and physical illness.
According to Towergate Health & Protection, employers can offer support through health benefits like group income protection, private medical insurance, EAPs, talking therapies, and mental health apps as well as training mental health first-aiders and offering awareness courses.
Towergate Health & Protection head of group risk David Williams says: “Our research shows that the move to hybrid and remote working has had a big impact on the mental health of employees. While the taboo around mental health is dissipating, and the matter is moving up the corporate agenda, there is still more that can be done. Mental health support is vital in today’s working world and employers need to embrace the support available in order to keep their workforce healthy, happy, and productive.
“Whether provided through existing health and wellbeing support or as a standalone option, mental health support needs to be made easily available to all employees. Good mental health is the crux of all health and wellbeing and the positives to supporting it cannot be understated.”
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