Nationwide, 63% of Generation Z (16-23 years) and 60% of Millennials (24-38 years) surveyed said they haven’t told their employers about a health issue, compared to 35% of Generation X (39-54 years) and 18% of Baby Boomers (55-72 years).
Helen Smith, chief commercial officer of Benenden Health, which carried the survey of 1,000 employees, said: “Our results are fairly shocking in that so many people still feel they can’t speak to their employers about health issues that may affect their working life, and at times have had to lie about taking time off for an appointment – with young people the most likely to worry about the impact on their employability.
“At the same time, so many businesses are still not offering a strong wellbeing package to support their team, despite the value placed on them by employees.
“Hidden health issues can impact absence rates, productivity and the general wellbeing of staff and so it is vital that workplaces act now to protect their business interests, as well as their workforce’s, especially if they want to attract young talent into their company.
“We are calling for businesses to have a clear reporting process for employees to seek support from the senior team, which if supported by a tailored wellbeing programme that recognises the different needs of a multigenerational workforce, can help increase productivity and promote a happier and healthier workforce.”
Benenden Health is a not-for-profit society with a UK-wide membership of over 815,000 that aims to support businesses to provide affordable healthcare.