20% feel their benefits package supports their health and fitness goals

One-fifth (20%) of UK employee respondents feel that the benefits their employer offers help them to get fit and healthy, according to research by Thomsons Online Benefits.

Its Global Employee Benefits Watch 2017/18 report, which surveyed 2,000 employees in organisations with 4,000 or more employees in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, South America and Asia Pacific, also found that 44% of UK respondents want to improve their health and fitness.

The research also found:

  • 39% of UK respondents cite improving mental wellbeing as a life goal,and 18% believe their benefits package supports this.
  • 74% of UK respondents aged between 18 and 35 want to buy a house, and 4% of UK respondents feel the benefits their organisation offers support this goal.
  • 46% of UK respondents identify saving for a holiday and work-life balance as life goals.
  • 25% of UK respondents think their benefits package supports work-life balance, and 12% believe the benefits available to them support the goal of saving for a holiday.
  • 52% of UK respondents cite saving for retirement as a goal, compared to 60% of respondents in the rest of Europe.
  • 41% of UK respondents think their benefits package helps them to save for retirement, compared to 30% of respondents based elsewhere in Europe.

Luke Prankard (pictured), practice lead, health and wellbeing at Thomsons Online Benefits, said: “Keeping employees fit and healthy is business critical, but employers need to think beyond this and align their people and benefits strategies to promote holistic employee wellness, addressing employees’ mental, physical and financial health. Supporting employees in achieving their life goals will help hit each of these fundamental pillars, while providing a fantastic employee experience.

“Our data shows a clear relationship between wellbeing benefits and employee satisfaction with their scheme. Employees that say their benefits needs are met receive 76% more wellbeing initiatives and have 58% more life goals supported. This means they are twice as likely to recommend their employer to a friend; say they have a positive experience at work and be proud to work for their [organisation]. For employers, this means concentrating on the wellbeing benefits they are providing. Get these right and [employers will] reap rewards in employee engagement, attraction and retention.”