Health and well-being at work: a survey of employees

DWP research report 751 by Viv Young and Claire Bhaumik (GfK NOP Social Research) complements RR750 about which I posted about half an hour ago.

The research published by the Department for Work and Pensions presents the findings from a quantitative survey designed to: develop the evidence base around work and health and workplace health initiative from the employee perspective; and to provide baseline data so that progress on health and well-being at work can be measured and monitored over time.

The key findings of the report were as follows:

• 48 per cent of respondents had taken some sick leave in the previous 12 months and the average number of days’ sickness absence was 4.5. 42 per cent of respondents reported that they had gone to work in the previous 12 months when, in their opinion, they should have taken sick leave.
• 65 per cent of respondents reported that sick pay was paid at their normal rate of pay during their first seven days of absence. A further 10 per cent did not know their organisation’s sick pay policy. Respondents working for large (250+ employees) and medium (50-249 employees) employers were more likely than those working for small employers (2-49 employees) to report that they received full pay during the first seven days of absence.
• Respondents were asked about health and well-being initiatives offered by their employer. The most commonly provided were more than 20 days’ leave (excluding bank holidays) (cited by 84 per cent of respondents) and employer pension scheme (70 per cent). Only 38 per cent of respondents reported having access to occupational health services. Respondents working for large public or large private sector organisations reported a higher than average number of initiatives.
• 32 per cent of respondents reported that stress management or support was provided within their organisation. This was more prevalent amongst those working in the public sector and those working in larger organisations. It is worth pointing out, however, that these items are linked: public sector workers were more likely than private sector workers to work in organisations with 250+ employees.

Full report (PDF 114pp)

ISBN 9-781-84712-985-7

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