British workers uninterested in improving their health lose 20 more work days in productivity annually than their proactive peers.
This is according to findings from the Telus Mental Health Index which also found that UK employees lacking emergency funds were twice as likely to seek stress reduction support.
The research also reinforced the strong link between mental and physical health and the importance of employer support.
The index examined the mental health of employed people in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
The UK report found physically active workers lost 12 fewer work days of productivity than their sedentary counterparts.
The index also found that workers dissatisfied with their physical health scored 25 points lower in mental health and lose 23 more days of productivity annually than satisfied peers.
It also found:
- Workers uninterested in improving health lost 20 more work days in productivity annually than those motivated,
- Workers perceiving poor employer support for their physical wellbeing lost 28 more work days of productivity annually and scored 16 points lower in mental health than those motivated,
- More than one in 10 (11%) workers surveyed never engaged in physical activity,
- Stress reduction motivated 10% of workers to exercise,
- Fewer than one in 10 (7%) reported engaging in activities that promoted social wellbeing,
- A third (33%) of workers remain at high mental health risk
- Issues affecting mental health included anxiety (16%), depression (12%) and sleep disorders (6%),
- Employees without emergency funds are twice as likely to seek stress reduction, more than three times as likely to report anxiety and four times as likely to report being diagnosed with depression.
Across the globe the mental health scores of workers were:
United States: 70.6
United Kingdom: 64.6
Canada: 64.4
Australia: 61.1
Singapore: 61.6
Europe: 61.6
New Zealand: 59.7
Link between physical and menal health
The index is based on a response scoring system that turns individual responses into point values.
Higher point values were associated with better mental health and less mental health risk.
Scores between 0 to 49 correspond with distress levels, scores between 50 to 79 correspond with strain levels and scores between 80 to 100 correspond with optimal levels of mental health.
Paula Allen, global leader, research and client insights at Telus Health, said: “There is a clear link between physical activity, employer support and employee wellbeing.
“At Telus Health, we’ve seen that supported, active employees have better mental health and higher productivity – outcomes for which every business owner strives.
“This underscores the need for organisations to prioritise wellbeing as a strategic pillar of business success.
“By integrating robust support systems like employee assistance programmes (EAPs) and physical health and wellbeing programmes into workplace culture, companies can create a more resilient, engaged and productive workforce.”
Philip Mullen, vice president EMEA at Telus Health, added: “Our latest findings underscore the vital role employers play in supporting their workforce’s physical wellbeing.
“To foster a healthier, more productive work environment, organisations should consider implementing comprehensive wellbeing programmes that go beyond traditional benefits.
“This could include offering on-site fitness facilities or subsidised gym memberships, organising team sports or activity challenges and promoting regular movement breaks throughout the workday.
“Additionally, employers can encourage active commuting by providing bike storage or shower facilities.
“By integrating physical activity into the workplace culture and providing the necessary resources and support, companies can create an environment that not only enhances employee health but also drives business success through improved engagement and productivity.”