Nearly half of UK staff would hide health issues from their employer: Report

A shocking report reveals that nearly half of all UK employees wouldn't talk to their employer if they were experiencing a health issue. This would, it is claimed, result in detrimental impacts on business performance and business culture.

This is as a result from the latest  research from not-for-profit healthcare provider, Benenden Health.

41% of employees revealed they would not feel confident enough to discuss any health issue with their employer. Many claim they would worry about what it would mean for their career and relationships within the workplace.

28% acknowledged they'd be concerned about offering support to colleagues in need, with 19% revealing they had previously hired someone with pre-existing health conditions but wouldn’t again, thus perpetuating the cycle of hidden health issues within the workplace, whilst open conservations and effective support aren't forthcoming.

With 51% revealing they have a health issue, long-term condition or disability, Benenden Health is warning fears and stigmas around health in the workplace means millions of workers may not be getting the required, or, indeed, any, support from their employers. This could result in absences, reduced productivity. In some instances it could result in sick employees resigning from their jobs.

Benenden Health has published a new report that focuses on key health issues and conditions that impact on the nation’s workforce and offering advice to businesses on how they can offer support to all employees,  regardless of their background or health issues, and ensure healthcare provision caters equally and inclusively all employees.

The survey covered 2,000 employees and 500 business owners. It showed that the most common ailments workers didn't reveal to their company are mental health issues, high blood pressure and arthritis. These are all conditions which could be worsened in the workplace.

36% of staff revealed they had lied to an employer about taking time off for an appointment, with 44% of 16-24 year olds doing this. Which, Benenden Health asserts,  could make it harder for businesses to ensure workers receive adequate support for any health issues they might have.

Why are so many employees reluctant to discuss their wellbeing at work? This is because 29% are concerned people would presume they couldn’t do their job. And a slightly lower number, 27%, worry that they could lose their job. Others were worried they'd be the subject of workplace gossip or might find it hard to maintain friendships in the workplace.

For a number of people who participated they were able to point to their own experiences. 15% thought they had previously overlooked for a job in the past due to a health issue, long-term health condition or a disability.

As a result of the finding that 26% of employers fail to provide any healthcare support besides statutory allowances and 60% of those that do, don't bother to consult employees when doing so, Benenden Health has issued a call to is calling on business owners to communicate and consult with staff and consider the health needs of their workforce to support positive wellbeing, thus increase retention and reduce unexpected absences.

Naomi Thompson, Head of OD at Benenden Health, said: “It is disappointing 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.”

Benenden Health enables businesses to offer affordable, high quality, private healthcare to every employee. This includes round the clock care such as mental health helplines, 24/7 GP plus access to services such as mental health counselling support and medical diagnostics so employees can have peace of mind that they can ask for help whenever they need it.

For more information about Benenden Health and to download its guide, visit the Benenden website https://www.benenden.co.uk.