Employees less comfortable discussing health than employers believe

Employers are overestimating how comfortable their employees feel discussing their health and wellbeing at work, according to new research from Health Shield Friendly Society.

Health Shield’s latest Britain at Work report, which shines a spotlight on employers, revealed that 84% believe their employees would be comfortable discussing their physical health, while just 67% of employees agree – and only 31% saying they would feel ‘very comfortable’.

The disconnect extends to mental health, with 74% of employers believing employees would be comfortable discussing mental health challenges, compared with just 56% of employees. Only one in four (25%) would feel ‘very comfortable’.

The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Health Shield Friendly Society across 500 UK HR and benefits decision-makers and 2,000 UK employees.

The study also found: 

·      Two-thirds (68%) of employers believe employees would be comfortable discussing financial issues, compared with just 46% of employees.

·      Men are more comfortable talking about mental health challenges than women (59% compared to 54%) and financial issues (52% compared to 42%).

·      Employees aged 28–35 are the most comfortable discussing all three topics, while over-60s are the least comfortable.

Paul Shires, director at Health Shield, said: “Many employers feel they have created an environment where employees can discuss challenges openly, but our findings reveal a clear disconnect between that perception and how comfortable employees actually feel.

“Employers shouldn’t assume people will always feel able to raise sensitive issues directly. Providing confidential, easily accessible health and wellbeing support gives employees another way to get help when they need it, without having to start a difficult conversation with their manager or HR team.

“When employees struggle in silence, problems can escalate and ultimately affect their health, attendance and ability to perform at work. Giving people different ways to access support, such as Employee Assistance Programmes, ensures they get the right help at the right time.”

Perry Timms, an HR influencer who is founder and chief energy officer of PTHR, added: “Health concerns don’t stay at home when people come to work. When someone is struggling physically or mentally, it can consume attention, energy and confidence, and inevitably make it harder for them to be at their best through no fault of their own.

“Employers who are willing to listen, show understanding and give someone a little space or flexibility when they’re struggling can make an enormous difference.

“People remember how their employer treated them when life was difficult. Organisations that respond to health concerns with sensitivity rather than judgement can build credibility, trust and loyalty, while helping people feel more able to speak up when they are struggling.”

The report contains broker insight from Emily Jones, head of workplace wellbeing at Broadstone Financial Solutions. She said: “Effective employee benefits strategies need to be built on a clear understanding of what employees actually need, rather than assumptions about how supported they feel.

“Brokers have an important role to play in helping clients turn that feedback into benefits strategies that reflect the needs of their workforce and ensure investment is focused where it can have the greatest impact.”

To read the full Britain at Work Report 2026 please visit: https://www.healthshield.co.uk/blog/resource/britain-at-work-report-2026-the-employer-view-on-workplace-wellbeing/

Ends

Editors notes

Notes to editor:

The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Health Shield Friendly Society among 2,002 UK employees between 27 March and 1 April 2026, and 500 UK HR and Benefits decision-makers at organisations with 100+ employees between 7 and 13 April 2026.

Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC). It is a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge and adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

About Health Shield Friendly Society

Health Shield is an award-winning friendly society, dedicated to helping businesses stay in the best of health by providing employee health benefits. Founded in 1877 to support the health of railway workers, today the not-for-profit mutual provides employee health benefits to businesses across the UK, covering more than 500,000 people. Its award-winning product offering includes health cash plans and health screening services designed for prevention and early intervention.

For more information visit: https://www.healthshield.co.uk/