While two-thirds (67 per cent) of U.K. employers say their benefits package has had a positive impact on the overall well-being of employees, fewer than a third (31 per cent) of employees agree that their benefits package has allowed them to proactively look after their health and well-being, according to a new survey by consultancy Unum Ltd.
The survey, which polled roughly 500 employers and 500 employees, found just a quarter (27 per cent) of employees said their benefits package has helped to prevent health issues from worsening or becoming chronic.
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Similarly, while three-quarters (75 per cent) of employers described their workforce’s health and well-being as good, just 66 per cent of employees agreed.
“Our research shows a real disconnect between the health and well-being support [that] employers provide and how it is perceived by employees,” said Liz Walker, chief operating officer at Unum, in a press release. “It’s often the case that benefits are recognized and highly regarded by employers, but they struggle to communicate these effectively, leaving employees unaware or misunderstanding the true value they offer.
“This gap can create a ripple effect, impacting morale, engagement and turnover, then, ultimately, the overall success of a business. Clearly, employee benefits packages need to go beyond just good intentions.”
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