Incentivising SME uptake of health and wellbeing support schemes
This research explores the potential impact of incentives for small and medium-sized employers to provide health and wellbeing support for their staff.
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Research background
The ‘Health is Everyone’s Business’ consultation outlined the crucial role employers play in supporting the health of employees. Improved employee health and wellbeing can benefit employees, employers, and the wider economy by reducing ill-health related job loss, sickness absence, presenteeism, and improving productivity.
However, previous research shows that whilst most employers recognise their role, many face multiple barriers to investing in health and wellbeing support, such as lack of expertise, time constraints and cost. There is also wide variation in the support provided by employer size, with small and medium-sized employers significantly less likely to invest in formal health and wellbeing initiatives than large employers.
The Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health and Social Care Joint Work and Health Unit commissioned this research to explore what incentives could be used to encourage and support SME employers to invest in more health and wellbeing schemes for employees.
Contribution to the evidence base
This research suggests that both financial incentives and the provision of advice and support can improve uptake of health and wellbeing schemes amongst small and medium employers.
Research value
This research will inform policy development, including the Occupational Health financial incentive and market navigation support test, as outlined in the ‘Health is Everyone’s Business’ consultation response.