Employers most concerned about health of older workers, research finds

Employers are most concerned about the mental and physical health of older workers, according to new research from employee benefits provider Everywhen.

The findings show that concern increases with age, with employees aged 61 and over identified as the group of greatest concern for both mental and physical wellbeing.

More than half of employers, at 53%, said they were concerned about the mental health of employees aged 61+, while 58% expressed concern about their physical health.

By comparison, concern for younger workers was lower, with 44% of employers citing mental health concerns for those under 28 and 37% highlighting physical health concerns.

Across all age groups, employers showed similar levels of concern for mental and physical health overall, although mental health concerns were more pronounced among younger employees.

Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Everywhen, said: “With a great deal of focus often placed on the mental health of younger employees, and the physical health of older employees, it is very interesting to see from our research that there is actually a spread of concern regarding all ages.

“It should be borne in mind, however, that this is a snapshot across many companies, industries and regions.

“Each individual company will have its own demographics to consider, which may sway the balance and, therefore, individual health and wellbeing requirements.”