More workers seek counselling

Analysis by Zurich’s Corporate Risk team has revealed a sharp rise in the number of employees tapping into the health and wellbeing benefits offered by their employer.

Specifically, the company reported a 50% annual increase in the number of calls to its Employee Assistance Programme in the last 12 months. Anxiety was the top reason for employees to seek help, although relationship difficulties, job stress and bereavement were also found to be key triggers.

Other survey evidence suggests the cost-of-living crisis is placing extra pressure on a significant minority of the UK workforce – a recent Mintago survey of 1,212 full-time employees found almost a quarter of workers feel concerns over their financial situation is having a negative impact on their job performance.