Obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are emerging as significant challenges for the UK workforce, with nearly one in four employees (23%) classified as obese in 2023. New data shows obesity rates have increased by 51% over the past decade, with younger employees experiencing the fastest growth.
Among workers under 35, obesity has surged by 55%, compared to a 39% rise for those aged 35 to 49 and 32% for those over 50.
Physical inactivity and poor diets are key factors driving this trend, according to the report, by insurer Vitality Health. In 2023, 37% of employees were physically inactive, and 56% reported not maintaining a healthy diet. Despite some positive changes, such as a 27% reduction in excessive drinking since 2014, the rise in obesity and unhealthy living has raised alarm bells about the long-term impact on employee health.
Mental Health Challenges Escalate
The report also highlights a troubling increase in mental health issues, with anxiety and depression rates among UK employees rising by 75% over the past decade. Financial worries are a significant contributor, with over half (52%) of workers reporting concerns in 2023, 10% of which were classified as severe.
Younger employees and those in mid-life face the highest mental health risks. Fourteen per cent of workers under 35 and 10% of those aged 35 to 49 reported experiencing anxiety or depression, compared to just 5% of employees aged 50 and over. Among workers aged 35 to 49, rates of depression have more than doubled since 2014, with many navigating the pressures of caring for both children and elderly parents.
Productivity Loss Doubles in a Decade
Rising health issues have taken a significant toll on workplace productivity. The average number of lost productivity days per employee has more than doubled, from 23 days in 2014 to 50 days in 2023. Presenteeism — when employees work despite being unwell — accounts for nearly 90% of this lost productivity and presents a major challenge for employers due to its hidden nature.
The report’s findings highlight an urgent need for businesses, government and society to prioritise employee wellbeing, said Arun Thiyagarajan, CEO of Vitality Health.
“Our Britain’s Healthiest Workplace research over the past 10 years has shown a clear correlation between an employee’s physical and mental health, and their productivity,” said Thiyagarajan. “With more of the UK workforce than ever reporting key risks such as obesity and depression – which have hugely negative impacts for the individual, their life and their productivity at work, as well as driving increased healthcare demand – it’s up to business, government and society to take steps to not just manage employee health and its productivity fallout, but positively improve it.”
By focusing on improving physical and mental health, employers could help reverse these worrying trends, boost productivity and create healthier, more engaged workforces, said Thiyagarajan.
Government and Employer Initiatives to Combat Health Challenges
In response to these escalating health concerns, both the UK government and employers are implementing measures to improve workplace wellbeing. The government has introduced plans to boost health in the workplace, encouraging employers to adopt Occupational Health programmes that provide mental and physical health support.
Employers are also recognising the importance of supporting employees with obesity. Implementing workplace health initiatives can optimise an employee’s productive capacity, benefiting the entire organization. Such initiatives may include providing access to fitness programs, promoting healthy eating and creating a supportive environment that encourages healthy lifestyle choices.
Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on mental health support within the workplace. Employers are encouraged to foster environments where staff can effectively address mental health or wellbeing issues, which in turn positively affects the organisation as a whole. This includes implementing mental health and wellbeing initiatives and providing resources for employees to seek help when needed.
