Research from Towergate Health & Protection indicates there is a disconnect between what employees want in terms of health and wellbeing support and what their employer actually offers.
The research of 500 HR decision makers found 59% of organisations offer social health support, followed by mental health (56%), financial health (45%) and physical health (44%).
But when asked about the support their employees actually want – 36% said mental health, followed by physical health (21%), financial health (21%) and social health (12%).
Debra Clark, head of specialist consulting at Towergate Health & Protection, (pictured) explained the disconnect could be down to requirements having recently changed or organisations finding some areas of support easier to implement than others.
“Financial health may well rise now in terms of demand among some employees, with the cost-of-living crisis, but in fact issues with physical, financial, and social health all have a knock-on effect on mental health,” she added.
“What is clear is that employers need to know for certain what support employees want and value, so that they can make their provision relevant to their unique workforce.
“It’s important that employers are aware of developments in support so they can make the most appropriate help available to the specific needs of their employees. A mismatch in what’s offered and what’s wanted, benefits no-one.”