Employers are struggling to comprehend their employees’ health and wellbeing needs, with over half admitting to a lack of understanding.
- Only 44% of employers confidently understand their employees’ financial needs, according to research.
- A meagre 43% of employers grasp their employees’ mental health requirements effectively.
- Just 42% of employers have a clear viewpoint of their employees’ physical health and wellbeing.
- Communication between employers and employees is crucial to improving workplace support.
Employers are facing significant challenges in understanding the comprehensive health and wellbeing needs of their employees. According to recent research by Towergate Health & Protection, a substantial 58% of employers admit they lack a good understanding of these critical aspects. This gap in understanding can potentially impact employee productivity and satisfaction.
Financial wellbeing appears to be one of the areas where employers recognise their lack of insight. Only 44% of employers express confidence in their understanding of employees’ financial needs. Without this understanding, employers may find it challenging to offer effective financial benefits or assistance tailored to their workforce.
Mental health is another critical area where employer understanding is limited, with just 43% of respondents acknowledging they have a strong grip on this aspect. As mental health continues to be a pressing issue in workplaces, this gap suggests that many employers might not be fully equipped to support their employees effectively.
The physical health and wellbeing of employees are understood by only 42% of employers. This statistic suggests a need for more education and resources to help employers better support their staff in this area.
Communication is essential in bridging these gaps. Feedback from employees through direct interactions, surveys, and forums is seen as beneficial. As employers incorporate both formal and informal feedback mechanisms, they can create a holistic understanding of their employees’ needs. Debra Clark, the head of wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection, stresses the importance of recognising challenges across all pillars of health and wellbeing. “Recognition of the challenges with which employees may be struggling could be better across all four pillars,” Clark states. Employers must strive to better understand and meet their employees’ needs, ensuring a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Employers need to enhance their understanding and support of employees’ health and wellbeing needs for a more productive workforce.
