"The message is clear: workers need better health support - both from employers and the NHS - to stay in or return to work. "
- Julia Turney, Partner & Head of Platform and Benefits at Barnett Waddingham
Of those surveyed (2,000), 46% had taken extended sick leave in the last five years, with a fifth (19%) taking between one and five months out of work. Workers are calling for changes from both public health services and employers to ensure their health & wellbeing in the workplace.
28% said a reduction in NHS waiting times via more in-person appointments would be most beneficial, followed by faster referrals to specialist care (24%), and more virtual NHS appointments (22%). Furthermore, 22% of employees want better mental health support or triaging services - particularly women (25%) and those aged 25-34 years old (27%).
From employers, one in five (22%) want financial assistance for managing long-term health conditions, while 18% said clearer workplace policies around sick leave & absence management would help them most. 21% said suitable adjustments in the workplace were a top priority.
Over half of workers (58%) also said they aren’t currently offered Private Medical Insurance (PMI), despite a third (35%) saying they would use it. Notably, 31% reported a lack of paid sick leave, and 61% aren’t offered Critical Illness Cover (CIC).
"The message is clear: workers need better health support - both from employers and the NHS – to stay in or return to work. With economic inactivity rising, businesses and the government can’t afford to ignore the growing gaps in healthcare benefits and mental health support.
"Flexible working, better health cover, and faster NHS services will all be part of the solution – but action is needed now," explained Julia Turney, Partner & Head of Platform and Benefits at Barnett Waddingham.
