Tax breaks needed for firms to invest in occupational health
Financial incentives and tax breaks are being called for to encourage business owners to invest in occupational health services for their employees.
The vast majority (77%) of employees told a Spire Healthcare survey they agreed that employers should put more money into occupational health, with 79% saying the Government should incentivise companies to do so.
Spire Occupational Health’s Caroline Gardiner said: ‘People are an organisation’s most valuable asset and this is why we believe there should be financial incentives and tax breaks to encourage employers to invest fully in occupational health services for their employees.
‘Encouraging greater corporate investment in employee health would be a policy move that would not only pay dividends in improved workplace productivity but also alleviate pressures on the NHS.
‘With the workforce getting older and having to work for longer, there has never been a more crucial time for employers to take a proactive, preventative and holistic approach to occupational health and employee well-being.’
She argued that by prioritising the health and well-being of employees, businesses could cultivate a happier, more engaged workforce while reaping the benefits, adding: ‘The time is now for a fundamental shift in how employee health is valued.’