"It’s vital that men start to be more proactive about their nutrient and long-term health."
- Dr Rebecca Mansfield, Medical Advisor at Unum UK
Unum UK launched its nutrition support service offered via Help@hand in 2023 and has since facilitated 6,225 nutrition consultations – 70% of which were booked by women in the workplace. This service is only available to Group Income Protection (GIP) customers.
Notably, the most common age demographic amongst those booking nutritionist appointments via Help@hand was 26-35-year-olds (37%), followed by those aged 36-45 (31%).
Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development at Unum UK, said it’s “encouraging to see so many people proactively accessing Help@hand to improve their dietary habits, as it’s central to our overall health. Our engagement data suggests that employees are increasingly prioritising preventative healthcare like nutritional advice and coaching as part of a holistic view of their wellbeing.”
She said: “Comprehensive health & wellbeing support is essential for living well and working better. For businesses, the workplace can serve as a key gateway to educate and equip employees with the knowledge and tools to enhance their health and drive productivity. As a new year brings an emphasis on healthy lifestyle and dietary choices, we hope to see more men thinking seriously about the power of nutrition and preventative healthcare.”
Dr Rebecca Mansfield, Medical Advisor at Unum UK, added: “Our food choices have a profound impact on energy levels, cognitive function, mood, and overall physical and mental wellbeing. By fuelling our bodies with a balanced diet and adopting healthy eating habits, we can significantly enhance focus and productivity, both in and outside of the workplace.
“Whilst men are increasingly prioritising health & nutrition, evidence suggests that women are more likely to proactively seek help from health professionals, particularly for preventative care. Unum’s statistics show this trend in action.
“Poor dietary choices can lead to decreased fertility, whereas a balanced nutrient-rich diet helps maintain a healthy weight which reduces the risk of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It’s vital that men start to be more proactive about their nutrient and long-term health,” she concluded.
