Physical wellbeing concerns trump mental health for older people

Employers are more concerned about the physical health of their older workers than their mental health, according to research from group risk industry body Grid.

According to research conducted for the trade body, older employees have the least amount of stress and anxiety relating to their work life, home life and their finances, while employers have more concerns regarding their physical health and fitness.

Opinium quizzed 505 HR decision makers and 1,216 employees at UK businesses for their views..

Four in 10 (42%) employers said their biggest concern for their mature employees was that they were living with long-term chronic illness or health concerns such as diabetes.

The second biggest concern for employers (37%) related to a general lack of fitness caused by a non-active lifestyle or sedentary working.

Almost a third (31%) of employers have concerns around ill-health relating to lifestyle such as obesity, smoking and alcohol-dependence for their older staff.

Grid spokesperson Katharine Moxham said: “With more over-50s in the workplace than ever before, and the potential for further age range expansion in the workforce, it is inevitable that employers will need to prepare to support an increasingly diverse range of physical and mental health issues.

“Improving mental health support has been front and centre for many organisations over the past few years but this research is a useful reminder that physical health support is needed by many throughout their working life and can be of particular concern to staff as they get older.”

Moxham also stressed the importance of companies treating all employees equally.

“It’s not only important for culture and reputation but a legal requirement that employers treat all employees with equity – offering them the same financial and health benefits, no matter what their age is,” she added.

“Employers are probably correct in their thinking that the physical aspects of ill-health become more pressing as employees age but employers should ensure that staff of all ages can access high-quality, comprehensive support for both physical and mental health conditions at all stages of their careers.”

 

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