Marvin OnumonuResearch from Everywhen has revealed that employee mental health is the top concern for employers for the fifth straight year.
The research found 59% of employers were worried about the mental health of their staff, with 49% planning to prioritise mental health support over the next year.
Employers also raised concerns about the physical health of staff, difficulties accessing GPs and dentists, and financial pressures, both at 49%.
Social health, like isolation from hybrid working, concerned 34% of employers.
Mental health has been the main issue since Everywhen began its annual research in 2022.
Only 13% of employers said none of these concerns applied to them.
When asked about priorities for the next year, 49% of employers said they would focus on mental health, while 27% would focus on financial wellbeing.
Other priorities included health screening, general fitness, and access to virtual GPs, with fewer focusing on issues like fertility, weight loss, or musculoskeletal support.
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Everywhen, said: “We carried out comprehensive research to find out employers’ priorities for this year, including asking about a wide range of important issues such as health screening, MSK support and access to virtual GPs.
“We know that these areas are a concern for employers, so the fact that mental health came so high above these other priorities shows just how significant the concern is at present and for the future.
“All areas of health and wellbeing have an impact on mental health, and the mental health of those around us can have an impact too.”
Clark added: “A full and rounded approach to supporting the whole health and wellbeing of all employees is likely to be the most effective option.”
