Employers Maintain an Open Door Policy on Employee Health Concerns
An open door policy seems to be the right approach to encourage employees to share their health concerns and seek support at work. It is ideal and a positive sign of employer goodwill.
However, a research study by Aviva Health has suggested that the reality is contrary. Employees are not comfortable in sharing their health concerns with either their bosses or colleagues. They felt that health concerns were a matter of privacy and it was important to safe guard them instead of involving their work partners.
Employees were more likely to share personal health matters with their partners or a family doctor. In sharp contrast only 4% of employees questioned said that they would approach their boss with a health concern while another 5 % considered the option of confiding in a colleague. A mere 1% was confident that they would trust their problems to the HR department.
It was clear that the HR department did not merit any trust in the eyes of the employees. However, 39% of employers claim to make a point of identifying any employee issues while over 40% say that they are clearly encouraging an open door policy.
The study conducted by Aviva health called the Aviva’s Health of the Workplace study has brought forth disturbing opinions that speak volumes about the communication barriers in the employer-employee relationship. Dr Doug Wright, principal clinical consultant at Aviva UK Health has commented that this study is an eye opener to employers.
While the open door policy should continue, it is also necessary to implement measures that encourage sharing matters of health concern. By offering timely support and encouragement, employers may be able to thwart any negative issues that may harm employee morale. Health risk management is a prime concern and requires high priority in HR policies.
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