UK employers are being short-sighted when it comes to creating a healthy workplace and are failing to recognise their employees’ needs, it has been claimed.
New research commissioned by Investors in People has found that many employers have no idea how to effectively improve the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
A quarter of employers questioned said their organisation does not understand how best to help, while a further 17% said that taking measures to improve employee wellbeing would be ‘too expensive’.
Furthermore, the study found that around 30% of employees are either suffering from or know someone who is suffering from work-related stress.
Simon Jones, acting chief executive at Investors in People UK, commented: “At first glance, you might think employers understand the importance of a healthy workplace, with 41% saying it means investing in the future of the business.
“However, look more closely and it appears that many bosses are missing the point.
“Despite recognition of the benefits that a healthy workplace can deliver, some employers simply don’t seem to understand that it is about more than just gym membership and fresh fruit.
“Our research shows that employees actually want better support and development structures to create a healthier environment – and managers should take heed.”
The research found that offering flexible working, support with workload management and appropriate channels for raising concerns were the measures that were felt to have the most impact on improving health and wellbeing at work.
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