The Health and Work survey 2018 shows that whilst the vast majority of employers are providing their employees with access to Occupational Health (OH) services, many are still not recording work related absence or are unclear about whether their risk control measures and OH management have an impact on the number of cases of work-related ill-health.

The survey also shows that time spent waiting for medical surgery/investigation, tests and recovery from surgery remains the most common cause of work-related absence followed by stress. Both have progressively increased since 2009 whilst other health conditions such as back problems, heart conditions and cancer have either plateaued or declined.

Commenting, Terry Woolmer, Head of Health & Safety Policy at EEF commented:

“It has long been recognised that a healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. Investment in the wellbeing of employees by both the employer and Government makes sense not just for good business practice but also the benefits to wider society from reduced benefits and pressure on a stretched NHS system.

Glenn Thomas, Managing Director of Employee Benefits for Howden UK added:

“It’s encouraging to see that manufacturers are making use of OH provisions within the workplace and are adopting a broad range of methods, for instance 38% adopting an employee assistant programme (EAP) to help combat work related stress.

Whilst employee wellbeing is high on industry agendas it is apparent that businesses need to maximise return on their benefit spend. This is echoed in the report, with many companies not knowing whether the measures they put in place are reducing absences or having a positive impact on employee health and wellbeing. Business leaders need to engage with employees to find out which services are best suited and make sure that employees are using the benefits provided to them.”

Click here to read the full report.

Howden has been the EEF’s insurance advantage partner of over 11 years, they provide specialist Employee Benefits and insurance for manufacturing businesses.