Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
That’s just 1% less than workers in the hospitality & leisure sector who appear to be worried about the financial implications of taking time off sick than in other sectors.
45% of Retail employees said they continued to work through physical illness in the last year.
33% of retail employees surveyed said they continued to go to work with a mental health condition in the last year.
Alun Baker, CEO of GoodShape said: “The cost-of-living crisis is magnifying a longer-term employee health emergency. Employees who ‘power through’ illnesses tend to develop longer-term conditions. The implications of coming into work whilst ill include spreading illnesses like Flu and COVID across the organisation like wildfire.
“Times are tough for employees and employers alike, but giving your people reassurance that you have their health at heart – providing free access to professional medical support, for example – pays dividends for the health of your business too; not least in how you’re seen as an employer. Let’s not forget, good health and workforce productivity are inextricably linked so looking after your people makes sense for everyone.”
Worrying about finances negatively impacts more Retail workers and their ability to do their job than workers in any other sector, with 60% stating that it has impacted their work.
Chris Brook Carter, chief executive of the charity Retail Trust, which supports British retailers to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, said: “We’re seeing big rises in retail workers applying for financial aid or visiting our website to access online financial health support, so we know that rising prices are a real cause of anxiety for people in the industry right now.
“Retailers of all shapes and sizes are already working with the Retail Trust to provide the tools their people need to take control of their financial wellbeing and we would urge many more to join us as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold across the country.”
