Record surge in demand for employee health support - report

New figures from a leading employee digital health and wellbeing app reveal a record-breaking surge in demand for mental health support coinciding with workers returning to the workplace.

The Engage app, developed and delivered by employee benefits and outsourced payroll provider HIVE360, has revealed use of its confidential employee mental health support services has risen by 155 per cent since May.

Physical wellbeing is also high on the support employees are seeking, with the data showing a 220 per cent hike in demand for health and fitness advice, and the number of users accessing gym discounts via the app up by 246 per cent.

Engage also features access to commercial training, e-learning, and the HIVE360 Skills Academy - user access to these and the app 's training and development services are up by 136 per cent from May to July.

HIVE360 's mobile, customisable engagement app and platform Engage gives employees access to an extensive range of health and wellbeing benefits and employee support services, including 24/7, confidential access to mental health support, counsellors and GPs,?a real-time workplace pension dashboard?to support employees ' financial wellbeing, and thousands of high street and online discounts.?? ?

CEO David McCormack (pictured) said: “User numbers of the employee digital health and wellbeing app have shown sustained growth over the last 12-months, significantly recording an average of around 200,000 monthly user sessions since October last year.

“Analysis of the latest data confirms health and wellbeing remain key concerns and priorities for employees as the gradual return to the office begins, reinforcing the importance of employers ' demonstrating a duty of care when it comes to making the workplace a safe environment and managing and minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“Demand also supports the need for a robust and well-communicated employee benefits strategy if businesses are to remain competitive and attract and retain a reliable and happy workforce post-pandemic. ”

“We know that the pandemic has changed the world of work forever, and that offerings such as flexible and hybrid working that were previously seen as employee benefits are now commonplace.

“Employers should be looking to level-up the support available to their employees across health, wellbeing, financial health, training and development, and ensure these are available confidentially, via a secure platform and 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

“HIVE360 's commitment to improving the lives and work experiences of those that engage with our services is reflected in the ever-growing usage of our Engage app, and we are proud to be leading the way in making employee welfare and benefits more accessible to all. ”