Report highlights worker health concerns

A new report has highlighted the degree to which older workers are concerned about ill-health, with this being cited as the biggest threat to their careers.

The report in question comes from AXA Health and it surveyed 2,000 workers from across the UK. When it came to those in the 45 to 54 age bracket, health problems were considered the biggest worry by 38.6% of respondents. That put health ahead of financial concerns, which were cited by 38.3%. In third place was the emergence of artificial intelligence, which 23.7% of people in that age range named as their biggest threat.

It was the same story for both workers over 55 and younger workers, with worries about health coming top of their list of career concerns. Angela Sherwood from the Simplyhealth medical plan provider pointed out that this could be a problem for employers. This is because the stress could cause absences and lower productivity.

AXA Health CEO Heather Smith argued that companies need to help workers with anxieties over health. She added that this was as much a workplace culture issue as anything.

That makes it a matter for HR, whether it is internal or an outsourced employee relations consultant in Hertfordshire. Smith suggested frequent check-ins, flexible working and worker assistance programmes that tackle mental health as possible solutions.

Sherwood also emphasised the importance of HR checking up on how workers are coping. She stated that offering this would mean that workers would know they had someone to turn to, but that mental health professionals may sometimes be needed.