Imagine this: nearly half of your employees feel your company could do more to support their health and wellbeing. This might seem like a minor concern, but the consequences are far-reaching.
Dissatisfied employees are more likely to experience health problems, leading to increased absenteeism and a staggering loss of productivity.
According to a survey conducted by Vitality Healthiest Workplace for the first quarter of 2024, 46% of dissatisfied employees felt their employer could do more for their health and wellbeing, while only 26% said they were happy with their wellbeing support.1
In 2023, worker dissatisfaction led to an average of 77 working days per year being lost due to sickness or absence. An average of 1.4 days off per week resulted in a 91% loss of productivity time, costing the UK economy approximately £138 billion annually.2
The Root of the Problem
Many workplaces fail to adequately offer health and wellbeing initiatives, creating an environment where employees feel stressed, overworked, and unsupported. This, in turn, leads to a vicious cycle: poor health leads to decreased productivity, which fuels further stress and dissatisfaction. So how can you break the cycle?
Creating a truly productive environment requires considering a range of health factors. This includes mental and emotional wellbeing, physical health concerns like back pain and repetitive strain injuries, and even getting enough sleep.
To address the wellbeing of employees, employers should begin by providing appropriate working conditions and facilities:
- Ergonomic furniture: Providing adjustable chairs and desks reduces discomfort and prevents musculoskeletal issues.
- Wellness programs: These programs can promote healthy habits, stress management, and offer access to mental health resources.
- Flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible hours or remote work options helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance, reducing burnout.
- Implement a health and wellness strategy and focus on mental and physical support programmes so employees return to work promptly.
- Providing information on health care guidance and advice to all employees could prevent long-term absenteeism.
- Healthcare Insurance benefits provide a sense of security for individuals.
In the UK, musculoskeletal conditions, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems are the leading causes of employee absenteeism. By addressing these issues proactively, you can significantly reduce unplanned absences and keep your business running smoothly.
The Power of Investing in Wellbeing
The good news is that businesses can turn things around. By prioritising employee wellbeing, companies can reap significant benefits. Studies have shown that a happy and healthy workforce leads to:
- Increased productivity
- Reduced absenteeism
- Improved employee engagement
- Enhanced creativity and problem-solving
- Reduced recruitment and retention costs
How MySanté Can Help
MySanté is your one-stop shop for creating a healthier, happier workforce. The app (which you can provide for just £39 + VAT per employee, per annum) offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to empower your employees to take charge of their health and wellbeing.
- 24/7 GP Access: Cut out long waits and unnecessary stress with virtual and phone appointments with doctors. MySanté allows employees to get the medical care they need quickly and conveniently.
- Mental Health Support: Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing. MySanté provides a confidential helpline and access to counselling sessions, ensuring employees have the resources they need to address stress, anxiety, and burnout.
- Holistic Approach to Wellness: MySanté goes beyond just physical health. The app offers a wealth of resources on healthy living, including tips on fitness, nutrition, and stress management.
- Financial Incentives for Wellbeing: MySanté offers employees access to exclusive discounts on healthy activities, retail, and more.
- Partner Access: Access to our partners including Health Hero, Truconnect, My Gym Discounts, Phio, Memory Lane Games, Ocushield and more.
Beyond Individual Health: Empowering Your Workforce
MySanté goes beyond just offering individual health benefits. The app includes features that empower employees to manage their healthcare needs effectively. With access to a host of resources, employees can take control of their health journey.
Your Partner in Building a Thriving Workplace, Investing in Your People: A Smart Business Decision
Investing in employee wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business decision. A healthy and happy workforce is the foundation for a successful and thriving business. When you prioritise employee wellbeing, you create a positive work environment that increases productivity, reduces costs, and attracts top talent.
Create a workplace where your employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential!
1 https://www.vitality.co.uk/media/dissatisfied-employees-lose-77-days-per-year-to-sickness/
