The mental health of staff is the top concern among health and wellbeing for employers, according to research from Towergate Health & Protection.
The firm’s survey of 500 HR decision makers in the UK found 40% of employers saying they were more concerned about the mental health of staff since the onset of the pandemic.
This compared with 22% who were more concerned about the physical health of employees, 17% financial health and 13% social health including, for example, increased isolation.
More than half (53%) of employers said their employees would like more mental health support since the pandemic. In comparison four in 10 felt social support was needed more than previously with 36% saying employees wanted more financial health and physical health support respectively.
Overall, 86% of employers believe employee expectations have changed and that they require more support for their health and wellbeing since the pandemic.
The survey also found half (49%) of employers in companies with 250 or more staff said they were more concerned about the mental health of staff since the pandemic. This compared to 37% of SMEs.
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of large corporates said employees would like more mental health support than previously, compared to less than half (46%) of SMEs.
Brett Hill, head of distribution for Towergate Health & Protection, said: “Employers need to re-evaluate their health and wellbeing support in the wake of Covid. Working practices have changed and so have attitudes and expectations.
“It is important for any health and wellbeing programme to recognise the changing needs of employees and to be adaptable as we adjust to life post-pandemic.
“There have been a lot of challenges for businesses and their workforces to deal with during the pandemic, and these have affected all areas of health and wellbeing. Now is a good time for employers to look at solutions available for them to help their staff.”