More than a third of UK transport employers have no intention of paying more attention to their workers' health, despite new laws such as the smoking ban. A survey of 1,800 employers in several sectors found that although 64% of transport employers say the smoking ban will encourage them to give more time to their employees' health, the remaining 36% say it will not.
However, more than half (51%) of transport firms surveyed by Manpower Driving say they are encouraging health by providing
free or subsidised gyms, free fruit, healthy food and diet counselling. But only 31% are providing help on how to quit smoking. Manpower says that looking after drivers' health can bring important business benefits to operators.
Stuart Edwards, head of Manpower Driving, says: "Health and wellbeing are everyone's responsibility. Many employers in the transport sector recognise the benefits of a healthy workforce as it has a clear impact on their business in areas including productivity, motivation, absence management and staff retention." Overall, 49% of transport sector employers believe that a healthy workforce improves staff motivation, 19% that it increases productivity and 13% that it leads to better staff retention.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2008
