British workers need push to positive health

Greater support for British workers is needed, as a survey by Bupa UK Health Insurance reveals that many people are increasingly stressed, eating badly, not exercising or sleeping enough, igniting the fuse on a workplace health time bomb.

The survey of the UK's 10 biggest cities shows that when it comes to nutrition, more than four out of 10 people say they are overweight, around two-thirds of people don't eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and more than two out of five of us are eating fast food at least once a week.

Only about a third of people admit to doing some form of moderate physical activity every day, like walking, running, swimming, cycling, and only around a quarter say they are a member of a gym or sports centre. When it comes to sleep, around four out of 10 people are getting less than the recommended seven to eight hours rest a night.

Stress levels are also on the rise with 45 percent of the people questioned, saying they are under pressure, with around two-thirds of respondents citing concerns about their family health as a worry, compared to less than half who worry about their own health. In addition, more than two out of five people worry about the credit crunch and rising costs.

A healthy business requires a healthy workforce. So, to help employers create a climate in the workplace where employees are encouraged to take greater care and interest in their wellbeing, Bupa offers a free online health assessment tool to all its corporate health scheme customers.

The service gives employees confidential 24/7 online access - at home or work - to a series of health assessments focusing on the four areas of health and wellbeing that are proven to impact on performance at work - namely nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress.

Benefits to the employer include regular reports to help the organisation track trends in the health of their staff and develop meaningful prevention programmes, ultimately improving its performance. The technology around the service is provided by the health and wellbeing consultancy vielife.

Dr Paula Franklin, deputy medical director for Bupa UK Health Insurance, said: "Our research shows that people need all the support they can get to ensure their health and wellbeing remains intact. Employers need to respond to this and create an environment that encourages their workforce to take a more proactive approach to their health.

"The introduction of Bupa Positive Health will help companies combat these problems. The initiative is both straightforward to implement and accessible. What's more, by promoting the wellbeing of staff, companies should be able to manage their healthcare costs and risks proactively."

For further information, go to bupa.co.uk/positivehealth. Bupa also has a series of free health fact sheet to help you stay fit and healthy. Just visit bupa.co.uk/health for your copy.