28 July 2011 – Publication of DWP research report 751: health and well-being at work: a survey of employees

Research is published today by the Department for Work and Pensions which presents the findings from a quantitative survey designed to: develop the evidence base around work and health and workplace health initiative from the employee perspective; and to provide baseline data so that progress on health and well-being at work can be measured and monitored over time.

The key findings of the report were as follows:

• 48 per cent of respondents had taken some sick leave in the previous 12 months and the average number of days’ sickness absence was 4.5. 42 per cent of respondents reported that they had gone to work in the previous 12 months when, in their opinion, they should have taken sick leave.
• 65 per cent of respondents reported that sick pay was paid at their normal rate of pay during their first seven days of absence. A further 10 per cent did not know their organisation’s sick pay policy. Respondents working for large (250+ employees) and medium (50-249 employees) employers were more likely than those working for small employers (2-49 employees) to report that they received full pay during the first seven days of absence.
• Respondents were asked about health and well-being initiatives offered by their employer. The most commonly provided were more than 20 days’ leave (excluding bank holidays) (cited by 84 per cent of respondents) and employer pension scheme (70 per cent). Only 38 per cent of respondents reported having access to occupational health services. Respondents working for large public or large private sector organisations reported a higher than average number of initiatives.
• 32 per cent of respondents reported that stress management or support was provided within their organisation. This was more prevalent amongst those working in the public sector and those working in larger organisations.  It is worth pointing out, however, that these items are linked: public sector workers were more likely than private sector workers to work in organisations with 250+ employees.

Notes to Editors:

• DWP Research Report No 751, Health and well-being at work: A survey of employees,is published today, 28th July 2011, by DWP
• The research was conducted on behalf of DWP by Gfk NOP. The report authors are Viv Young and Claire Bhaumik.
• The report and summary are available free on the DWP website http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rrs-index.asp
• The report is based on survey responses, conducted face to face, with 2019 employees.

Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5136
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk