The ONS Health Index, last released in summer 2023, offers a comprehensive measure of health, tracking changes over time. It evaluates clinical health indicators, such as the prevalence of specific conditions, as well as broader social, economic, and environmental factors impacting health.

The upgraded ONS Health Index will incorporate new data and tools tailored to business needs. These enhancements will capture direct health impacts on employees and customers, as well as the environmental effects of a company's products. This will improve the understanding of the relationship between health, business practices, and work life, addressing a critical evidence gap. For instance, the Index could be used locally to measure corporate progress against key health and wellbeing objectives. On a broader scale, the new business-related metrics will guide strategies linking health, wellbeing, and workforce productivity, and integrate health into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) discussions.

Business for Health, a business-led social venture, in partnership with Lane Clark & Peacock (LCP), has identified a strong demand from businesses and organisations for this enhanced tool. They recognise the need for businesses to understand and define their role in the economy and society.

Engagement with businesses will be key in developing the next iteration of the Index, which will provide valuable data on national health and well-being, including the workforce. A primary objective is to encourage businesses to acknowledge and take responsibility for their health impacts. The enhanced ONS Health Index will thus aim to integrate businesses into its core audience, offering health-relevant data to the public that measures business impacts on population health.

The additional data will spotlight key determinants affecting employee health, informing business decisions and supporting a corporate culture centred on health.

As the UK faces significant health challenges, leading to long-term economic inactivity and pressure on the health system, the enhanced ONS Health Index will be crucial in driving systemic change to improve health and economic resilience. This initiative is vital for bolstering the nation's health and economic strength.

Tina Woods, CEO and Founder of Business for Health said: “There is a clear need from businesses to receive better data on the role of health within wider workforce planning. The link between corporate culture and individuals’ physical and mental wellbeing is irrefutable and our role on the new ONS Health Index will act as a crucial tool in understanding how businesses can improve, report and measure their impact on health linked to economic growth.”

Lord Bethell, Former Health and Innovation Minister and Chair of Business for Health, said: “We are delighted to be working with the ONS and LCP to develop the next iteration of the ONS Health Index, which will differentiate itself by allowing companies to understand and define their social purpose alongside measuring their economic contribution.”

Jonathan Pearson Stuttard, Head of Health Analytics at LCP, said: “There is a need for employers, businesses and industry partners to work collaboratively with the Government to ensure that long-term health challenges are tackled with the urgency that is required.” 

Dr James Tucker, Deputy Director of Health, International and Partnerships, Office for National Statistics said: “The importance of high-quality data to inform strategies and reporting on the health of our workforce is crucial. Working with businesses as core users of the next ONS Health Index will be key in accessing granular data from businesses to feed into the index and provide relevant health data.”