Workers' health! What's it to do with us?

A survey of 900 firms showed that almost a third believed healthy working was a "waste of time or money", or that it had nothing to do with them. Investors in People said the study showed that some employers were "paying lip service" to the health of their staff.

It added that UK employers were failing to recognise the needs of employees when it came to creating a healthy workplace, with almost a third (31%) equating "healthy working" to eating healthily at work.

A quarter (24%) of organisations questioned said they did not take action on health because they simply did not understand how best to help, while a further 17% said it would be "too expensive".

Of the employees questioned for the research, 30% claimed to be either suffering from, or knew someone who was suffering from work related stress.

Interestingly though, nearly half of all those questioned (45%) - employers and staff - thought that if positive steps were taken to improve on workers' health and well-being it would boost job satisfaction, productivity and performance.

Fitness and food?

Simon Jones, acting chief executive at Investors in People, said: "At first glance, you might think employers understand the importance of a healthy workplace, with 41% saying it means investing in the future of the business.

"However, look more closely and it appears that many bosses are missing the point. Despite recognition of the benefits that a healthy workplace can deliver, some employers simply don't seem to understand that it is about more than just gym membership and fresh fruit."

He added: "Our research shows that employees actually want better support and development structures to create a healthier environment – and managers should take heed. The bottom line is that an unhealthy, unhappy workforce will also be uncommitted and unproductive.

"If employers don't address this, they will see a negative impact both on individuals and the performance of the business."

Effective measures

When staff and bosses were asked about what their company offered to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, the top two responses given were break or rest areas (41%) and compliance with health and safety regulations (39%).

Effective day-to-day support from managers, flexible working, support with workload management and appropriate channels for raising concerns were highlighted as the measures that would have the most impact on improving health and well-being.

Investors in People said it was currently working on a project to encourage organisations to tackle the health and well-being of their workforce using a more "focused and in-depth approach".