Survey reveals employee concerns over wellbeing at work

A survey commissioned by employee benefits company Unum has discovered that as many as a third of employees would consider leaving their employer over wellbeing concerns.

The study used information from over 700 UK employees, and was carried out by ICM. On top of the 30% who would change jobs, a further 26% said concerns about their wellbeing at work could affect their thinking on long-term employment, with 21% saying poor wellbeing was a reason for them feeling less motivated and productive.

Older workers valued provisions for their welfare more than younger ones, with 74% of the 45- to 54-year-old age bracket seeing flexibility and support through ill health as a priority when choosing an employer. This compared to 66% among the 18- to 34-year-olds taking part.

SMEs performed significantly better than large corporates in the survey, with only 26% of employees reporting working conditions that were 'adequate or poor', compared to 41% of those employed by larger companies.

The research also found 42% of women reported that their employers did not provide good workplace conditions, compared to 30% of men.

Unum HR director Linda Smith explained that the key to employee wellbeing for businesses is to "acknowledge that different groups have different expectations and needs of an employer."

For information on your obligations as an employer, please contact Vaishali Thakerar at Lawson-West Commercial, solicitors specialising in employment law, on 0116 212 1000.

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