However, they believe that employees prioritise financial health, highlighting a disconnect that needs addressing.

Key findings

Employer concerns:

• 89% of employers worry about their employees' health and wellbeing
• Physical and mental health are top concerns for 52% of employers
• Financial health follows at 46%, while social health concerns 41%

Perceived employee priorities:

• Financial health is seen as the top priority for 49% of employees
• Physical health is important to 24%
• Mental health is significant to 21%
• Social health matters to only 7%

Survey data

Employer concerns:

• Physical health of staff: 52%
• Mental health of staff: 52%
• Financial health of staff: 46%
• Social health of staff: 41%

Perceived employee priorities:

• Financial health and wellbeing: 49%
• Physical health and wellbeing: 24%
• Mental health and wellbeing: 21%
• Social wellbeing: 7%

Debra Clark, Head of Wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection says: “It is extremely interesting to see the disconnect between the areas of health and wellbeing that employers are concerned about for their staff, and what they feel actually most concerns their staff in practice. This means that employers may need a more strategic approach to providing the right health and wellbeing support, to ensure the most pressing concerns are addressed.”

Bridging the gap

To offer the most relevant employee benefits, it's crucial to balance employer concerns and employee priorities. Conducting employee surveys can help uncover the true needs and desired support among staff.

While financial support is popular, comprehensive benefits like healthcare, critical illness cover, childcare, and mental health counselling may provide greater overall value. Effective communication about these benefits is essential for employees to appreciate their full value. For instance, private medical care not only has monetary value but also offers significant benefits through prompt, expert medical attention.

Holistic health support

Employers should strive to provide a range of options that support all health pillars. Many physical health initiatives, such as gym memberships, nutrition advice, and medical checkups, also enhance mental health. Conversely, improving mental health through counselling and mindfulness can encourage physical activity.

Recognising the interconnectedness of these health areas and communicating the available support effectively ensures that both employers' and employees' needs are met, fostering a healthier and more productive workforce.

Clark comments: “There is a balancing act involved in providing the right health and wellbeing support. It is important to ensure that all areas of health and wellbeing are given due consideration and that there is support available that will meet with the different needs across a workforce, with help in all areas, not just the easiest or most obvious ones to deal with.”