The word ‘health’ is such an individual term which can mean different things to different people – for some, health may solely be about their physical condition, for others their mental health and emotional wellbeing is crucial, and for others their financial and even digital wellbeing is just as important too.
As individuals, families, communities, and employers, we all have a role to play in recognising and supporting the many different aspects which come together to form an overall picture of a person’s health…
🏃♀️ Physical health:
Did you know? More than 95% of the world’s population has a physical health condition, and a third of us have at least five physical ailments.
Back pain, anaemia, neck pain and age-related hearing loss are the most common causes of health loss.
More than a billion people in the world (15%) have a disability.
How can you support your physical health? Accessing healthcare support such as a virtual GP at the earliest opportunity.
Attending regular appointments such as dental and optical so potential future issues can be picked up.
How can employers support the physical health of their team? Offering Health Cash Plans and access to services such as a GP app can help promote early access to healthcare, and focus on preventative as well as reactive support.
Adjustments such as location and times work can be put into place, where practical, to help staff with long-term health conditions or disabilities to manage their health.
🧠 Wellbeing and mental health:
Did you know? Around one in 100 people will develop schizophrenia during their lifetime, and around one in ten will hear voices (auditory hallucinations).
Over the course of their lifetime, one in five people will have suicidal thoughts and 7% of adults feel stressed every single day.
How can you support your wellbeing and mental health? Seeking support can be a huge help, whether that’s from a family member or friend, or a confidential counselling service or crisis line.
There are lots of options out there to help support your wellbeing – acupuncture, reiki, hypnotherapy and much more.
How can employers support the emotional and mental health of their team? Adopting a policy of ‘ask twice’ when enquiring how staff members are, and encouraging open conversations about the importance of mental health.
Having an Employee Assistance Programme in place gives team members opportunities to talk to someone confidentially about any concerns they may have.
💰 Financial health:
Did you know? More than a fifth of people cite debt as a reason they feel stressed.
The average credit card debt per household is £2,100.
The total household debt in Great Britain is more than £1.2 trillion (including mortgages).
How can you support your financial health? Financial problems needn’t be taboo, by talking about money worries it can help alleviate stress relating to them.
Seeking regular specialist advice can help keep your finances in check, as can making use of discount schemes.
How can employers support the financial health of their team? Access to discount schemes, expert advice and helplines can all be arranged through you as an employer.
Providing an employer-paid Health Cash Plan can help with money worries associated with the cost of accessing healthcare.
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So, what does health mean to you? If you’re after more ideas on supporting your employees’ health, why not download our Workplace Wellbeing brochure? Or if you’d like to find out more about individual Health Cash Plans and how it can support your individual health and wellbeing, simply click here 😊🧡