Return to Work: The Problem and The Solution
A recent survey of employers and employees in the UK has revealed that nearly 50% of employees describe their feelings about the return to the workplace negatively and nearly 75% say that their employer has not provided any health and wellbeing support during the pandemic.
When set alongside this the finding that over 50% of employers acknowledge that they need to review their employee benefits package to reflect health and wellbeing, the problem and the solution come into sharp focus.
The pandemic is likely to represent a watershed moment in employment, but it is also leading to a host of hidden health and wellbeing issues that will impact employees. The fact that social distancing has enabled employees to hide mental and health concerns should be a major cause of concern to employers. The stark reality is that 40% of workplace absence is due to mental health issues, and this is projected to be in the region of 70% by 2023. Research suggests the vast majority of employees now expect their employer to take mental health and wellbeing more seriously, with 70% of workers saying they agree or strongly agree that its importance as an issue has increased in the past year.
The survey also revealed that 50% of all employees are deeply anxious or concerned about returning to a more normal work pattern. The main reasons for this are the daily commute and being in close proximity to large groups of people.
Clearly, now is the time for businesses to take a closer look at existing employee assistance programmes to see whether they are still effective in light of the pandemic. Many products available just don’t have the depth of provision now required, especially when it comes to the enhanced levels of mental health care needed, especially for particularly complex cases. When the support is not fit for purpose, then employers and employees tend not to engage with the service adding another layer of complication.
Immediacy is crucial. Fast-track access to comprehensive support is the key success factor when it comes to making a real difference. The solution has to be built around comprehensive secondary mental health support packages that conform to NHS standards of clinical excellence.
There are four steps employers can take now to create an environment inclusive of wellbeing:
Lead from the top by creating a safe environment for issues and concerns to be discussed
Be aware of employee concerns and take this opportunity to build trust by offering solutions to support employees and their families
Adopt enhanced employee benefits packages focused on health and wellbeing
Establish a strong support mechanism which is holistic and provides genuine care linked with NHS standards
1Stop4aGP: 360° offers an effective solution for businesses which, for an extremely affordable cost, will enable them to fully demonstrate and embed their commitment to staff wellbeing and mental health. When purchased by an employer, the service covers all employees and their immediate families, providing a holistic approach to healthcare. In addition to our core GP and prescription service, 360° offers employees personalised, on-demand advice and support from a breadth of expert mental health, financial and legal providers – a package of support unequalled within the additional healthcare industry.
Employees accessing the service will be allocated a dedicated case manager, putting them in touch with the experts who will work with them to understand their specific issues and help them to create the solutions they need to achieve a better quality of life. No matter the complexity of an individual’s case, we will be by their side until a resolution is reached.
