The generation that entered the workforce following the last recession has the greatest financial concerns and is the least physically active, according to data from campaigning group, Britain’s Healthiest Workplace (BHW). This group of employees already experiences significant social mobility challenges and tough economic conditions, both of which are having a considerable impact on their health and wellbeing.
BHW surveys more than 34,000 workers across all UK industries and was developed in partnership with VitalityHealth, Mercer, the University of Cambridge, and RAND Europe. The data shows that workers under the age of 35 are the least physically active in the workforce, and are more likely to be smokers and eat less fruit and vegetables. For example, 14% of this age group smokes, compared with only 6.1% of those in the 56-60 age group. Younger workers also have higher levels of absence and presenteeism (defined as underperformance at work due to ill health).
Chris Bailey, partner at Mercer, said:
‘Ill health, unhealthy lifestyles and financial stress are all factors associated with employees losing productive time at work . . . these employees are the future of work and companies should invest in them through holistic wellbeing programmes which include physical and mental health, financial wellbeing and other associated areas such as social interaction and personal development.’