AXA Health data finds a third of Gen Z foresee retiring early for health reasons

"The research, commissioned by AXA Health and conducted by Censuswide amongst 2,000 UK employees, reveals that fears about ill health leading to job losses are common in the workplace. Not only does this include those heading towards retirement age, where it is regarded as the biggest threat, but it also worries younger generations. Even those just starting in the workplace (age 16-24) already believe they may need to retire early (33%) due to health concerns. This is especially critical following the recent Budget announcement of xx changes to the state pension age. The data reveals a further vulnerability amongst younger workers and points to why future health concerns are so prevalent."

"A third of 16-24-year-old survey respondents believe their workplace prohibits them from leading a healthy lifestyle because they often feel stressed, which highlights that threats to careers includes both physical and mental health. The data shows that there is a huge opportunity for employers to respond to the findings and promote an open health culture. When asked what being healthy at work means, nearly half (43%) cited "feeling motivated and engaged" as their top priority, followed by working in a clean, organised environment (41%) and having a psychologically safe workplace (39%)."

"This should be supported by tailored benefits, including addressing the practical barriers which prevent workers from accessing support. 19% of workers report they're too busy to use benefits and 17% find the process too complicated or inconvenient, highlighting the role for employers to provide flexible and simple options, proactively supporting their employees in accessing the right benefits for their needs. The survey also exposes a striking gap between perception and reality regarding workplace health habits. While nearly half of workers (45%) spend their lunch breaks scrolling on their phones, rising to 53% amongst 35-44-year-olds, only 9% use this time for exercise."

Fears about ill health causing job loss affect employees across age groups, including 33% of 16–24-year-olds who expect early retirement. One-third of 16–24-year-olds say workplace stress prevents them leading a healthy lifestyle, indicating both physical and mental health threaten careers. Nearly half of workers prioritize feeling motivated and engaged, clean organised environments, and psychological safety as components of being healthy at work. Practical barriers limit benefit uptake: 19% are too busy and 17% find processes complicated. Lunch habits show a gap between perception and practice, with 45% scrolling and only 9% exercising.

Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com