Employees Suffering Health Problems In Silence

Most UK employees would rather suffer in silence with a health concern or personal issue than tell their boss or colleagues, according to new research from Aviva UK Health.

Just 4% of employees questioned in Aviva's Health of the Workplace study say they would approach their boss with a health concern. A further 5% claim they might confide in a colleague. Just 1% said they would trust their problems to the HR department. By comparison 60% say they would unburden themselves to their partner and 33% would speak to the family doctor.

Nearly a quarter of employees (23%) say this is a matter of safeguarding their privacy, and 21% of employees think admitting to health concerns could affect their work prospects. Just over a tenth (11%) claim they simply don’t trust their boss.

Meanwhile, 39% of employers claim to make a point of identifying any employee issues and 42% say they operate an open door policy.

Dr Doug Wright, principal clinical consultant at Aviva UK Health, commented: “It’s good to see that employers recognise the importance of having an open door policy when it comes to their employees’ health and wellbeing, but we want to make them aware of the worrying disconnect between their perception and the reality to help them take steps to tackle the issues.

“The breakdown in communication between employers and their staff means that health risks such as stress in the workplace are not being effectively managed. Lack of employee engagement will also hinder an employer’s ability to intervene early and offer their employees the right support at the right time.”