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StressReturn to work and rehabilitationSickness absence managementWellbeing and health promotionOccupational Health

Three-quarters of workers’ productivity affected as they wait for health appointments

by Ashleigh Webber 22 Apr 2020
by Ashleigh Webber 22 Apr 2020 Women should tell their GP if they suspect they have breast cancer symptoms
Women should tell their GP if they suspect they have breast cancer symptoms

More than three-quarters (77%) of employees admit their productivity has declined because of the health symptoms they have experienced while they wait for a medical appointment.

However, many employees continue to miss appointments they have made, according to Unum, which found almost one in three appointments had been cancelled or missed because of work pressures. Sixty per cent of workers said they found taking time out of work for a medical appointment stressful.

Almost two-thirds of workers who missed a medical appointment said their health had deteriorated as a result.

“It’s extremely concerning that so many employees are struggling to fit in medical appointments. Prioritising work over health only creates a far bigger problem further down the line, often leading to a condition worsening and reduced productivity,” said Unum UK chief executive Peter O’Donnell.

“Ensuring employees know they are supported in looking after their health obviously is more important than ever as we all battle the global Covid-19 pandemic. In just a few weeks UK businesses have embraced change on a level that would normally take years – home working has become the norm for many and we’re relying on technology and digital advancements in ways we haven’t before.

“Encouraging employees to use services such as remote GPs for concerns that don’t relate to Covid-19 can be invaluable when NHS medical services are under so much strain,” he added.

To that end, Unum last year launched a remote GP appointment service, [email protected], which can be accessed by more than 40,000 employees.

Ashleigh Webber
Ashleigh Webber

Ashleigh is editor of OHW+ and HR and wellbeing editor at Personnel Today. Ashleigh's areas of interest include employee health and wellbeing, equality and inclusion and skills development. She has hosted many webinars for Personnel Today, on topics including employee retention, financial wellbeing and menopause support. Prior to joining Personnel Today in 2018, she covered the road transport sector for Commercial Motor and Motor Transport magazines, touching on some of the employment and wellbeing issues experienced by those in road haulage.

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