Research by Unum highlights the gaps in current wellbeing strategies. Results show companies are failing to monitor workplace health and are not providing the information or support needed by employees. 

New research commissioned by financial protection specialist Unum shows that two thirds of companies do not have processes in place to monitor the mental and physical health of employees (66 percent and 69 percent respectively). Unum surveyed more than 400 businesses and found that, in addition, more than a third (34 percent) do not have any kind of wellbeing strategy in place. 

Linda Levesque, HR Director, at Unum, commented: “Workplace wellbeing is quickly climbing the agenda as businesses realise the real value it can make both to employee engagement and the bottom line. However, while many businesses have taken proactive steps to improve the support on offer to staff, they need to take a more holistic approach.Just 1 in 7 (15 percent) communicate their wellbeing strategy to staff at least once a month, and even fewer – 1 in 10 (11 percent) – provide compulsory training to managers on their company’s wellbeing strategy and benefits. So while they may have brought in a great new scheme to help improve employee health, unless they communicate this to staff and train line managers on how and when to offer it, they are not making the most of the associated benefits.”The research also found that less than a quarter (23 percent) of senior employees fully embrace employee wellbeing, despite these same individuals being responsible for investment in and improvement to the support and benefits on offer to staff.