Almost half of UK employees would not talk to their employer if they were experiencing a health issue, having a detrimental impact on business performance and culture, according to research from Benenden Health.
The not-for-profit healthcare provider found 41 per cent of individuals said that they wouldn’t feel confident discussing any health issue with their employer, with many worrying about what it would mean for their career and relationships within the workplace.
Almost a third of businesses (28 per cent) accepted that they would have concerns about offering support to those in need, with as many as a fifth (19 per cent) revealing that they have previously hired someone with pre-existing health conditions but wouldn’t do so again.
The research found that the most common ailments that are not disclosed include poor mental health, high blood pressure and arthritis – all conditions that could be exacerbated in the workplace.
Beneden Health says this is perpetuating a cycle of hidden health issues at work, and preventing open conservations which might result in more effective support.
With more than half of all UK employees (51 per cent) said they have a health issue, long-term condition or disability, Benenden Health is warning that fear and stigma around health in the workplace means millions of workers may not be getting the necessary – or any – support from their employers. This could lead to absences, lower productivity and employees ultimately leaving their job.
The organisation has launched a new report shedding light on the key health issues and conditions that affect the nation’s workforce and offering advice to businesses on how to provide support to all employees, regardless of their background or health status, and ensure healthcare provision caters equally and inclusively for a diverse team.
The survey of 2,000 employees and 500 business owners, also found more than a third of employees (36 per cent) also disclosed that they have lied to an employer about taking time off for an appointment. This rose to almost half (44 per cent) of employees in the 16-24 age group.
The reasons why employees would be reticent to discuss their wellbeing at work were also revealed, with a third saying they would worry that people would think they couldn’t do their job (29 per cent), more than a quarter believing they might lose their job (27 per cent), a fifth concerned that they would be talked about and one in 10 (9 per cent) worrying that people wouldn’t want to be their friend.
For some, these concerns were based on experience, with 15 per cent of employees believing that they have been overlooked for a job in the past due to a health issue, long-term condition or disability.
Following the findings that a quarter of businesses (26 per cent) still don’t offer any healthcare support in addition to statutory allowances, and 60 per cent of those that do fail to consult employees on this issue. As a result Benenden Health is calling on business owners to open communication channels with their teams and consider the health needs of their workforce to support positive wellbeing, increase retention and reduce unexpected absences.
Benenden Health, head of OD, Naomi Thompson says: “It is disappointing that so many people still feel they can’t speak to their employers about their wellbeing and that a sizeable number of decision makers reinforce this with dated approaches to hiring people with long-term health issues.
“This stigma is especially prevalent in the workplace, with businesses too often unable to identify wellbeing issues, employees concerned about the implications of discussing them and a continuing lack of tangible support, all of which contribute to lost time and productivity for businesses as well as unaddressed poor employee wellbeing.
“Healthcare support should be available to all employees, not just senior staff, and despite some misconceptions, this can be implemented at an affordable cost. Tailored wellbeing programmes, developed with employee consultation and recognising the different needs of a multigenerational workforce, can increase productivity, support recruitment and promote a happier and healthier workforce.”
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