Workers not revealing health worries to bosses

Monday, 23 August 2010

The majority of workers would not feel comfortable approaching their boss with a health worry, new research has found, which may concern firms running

employee engagement schemes.A poll carried out by Aviva UK Health discovered that only four per cent of employees who speak to their manager if they were concerned about their wellbeing.

The survey also found that 23 per cent of people said they would not talk to their boss because they want to protect their privacy, although 21 per cent are scared it could affect their career prospects and 11 per cent do not trust their employer.

Dr Doug Wright, principal clinical consultant at Aviva UK Health, said that this breakdown in communication is damaging companies' ability to manage stress in the workplace.

He added: "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."

According to the recent Kelly Global Workforce Index, 79 per cent of workers want their employee benefits package to include health initiatives such as medical insurance.

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