Nearly three-quarters of employees (73%) have committed to get fit in the New Year, according to research by Aviva UK Health.
However, according to its 2011 New Year, New You report, 80% admit past resolutions to make positive changes to their lifestyle have failed by the end of January.
The report found that losing weight (72%), eating more healthily (61%), exercising more (68%), managing stress (23%) and cutting back on alcohol (18%) topped employees’ list of resolutions.
Just over a fifth of employees (21%) are working towards a defined goal, such as training for a marathon, or slimming for their holiday, while one in six (17%) wants to improve their work-life balance.
A further one in six (16%) said they want to get fit and healthy to avoid catching the flu, and nearly a third (31%) that they know they ought to make a change to their lifestyle and the new year is a good time to start.
Although over half of employees (56%) say their new year’s resolve is still intact, 30% admit they are already struggling, while one in ten (11%) have given up altogether.
Dr Doug Wright, head of clinical services at Aviva UK Health said: “Evidence shows a healthy, happy workforce offers many positive benefits. And, with employees clearly motivated to improve their health, now could be an opportune time for employers to take steps to introduce workplace wellness initiatives that help employees buck previous trends and meet their goals.
“Every [organisation] is different and needs to introduce initiatives that fit its own culture and requirements. Not least, it should be aligned with the overall people agenda to ensure the business understands the wider health and wellness value.
“While an insurance-led solution, such as private medical insurance or group income protection, may be right for one [organisation], occupational health benefits may be better for another.”
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