Four in five employees (79%) say they are more likely to stay with an employer who actively supports them during recovery, according to research from Aviva, released today.
As the consultation period for the Keep Britain Working Review closes, research from the insurer showed an opportunity for UK employers to enhance employee wellbeing, trust, and retention by offering and clearly communicating vocational rehabilitation support.
Its survey of 1,235 employees by Censuswide in June found that while 84% were aware their employer offered some form of support, only 38% fully understood what was available.
More than a third (36%) of employees said they would be more likely to recommend their employer as a great place to work if support was more visible.
Almost half (46%) said greater transparency increased confidence in their employer, while 44% believed it boosts morale across the organisation.
And 40% said they would return to work sooner after illness if they better understood the support available to them, and 39% believed visible support helped improve overall productivity.
More than half (55%) of employees stated the level of rehabilitation support was a key factor when choosing an employer, and around three quarters (71%) said they were more likely to stay with an employer who followed best practice vocational rehabilitation guidelines.
Despite these benefits, nearly one in five (22%) employees either did not receive any rehabilitation support or were unaware of what was available to them.
Jason Ellis, group protection sales director at Aviva, said: “Vocational rehabilitation is crucial for helping employees return to work safely and effectively after a long-term sickness absence.
“That’s why it’s so important that employees are aware of the support available to them and feel confident in accessing it.
“Aviva’s research highlights a clear opportunity for employers to not only offer meaningful rehabilitation support but to communicate it more effectively.
“When employees understand the support available to them, they’re more likely to engage with it, return to work sooner, and feel valued by their employer.
“Implementing best practice and making support more visible isn’t just good for people, it’s good for business.”
