Poor health and a lack of motivation is damaging productivity and retarding potential growth, according to Bupa.
The provider's research, with economic analysis from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), shows a failure to unlock employees' ‘discretionary effort' is costing businesses dearly as a lack of motivation and sub-optimal health cut a potential £6 billion - equivalent to 0.4% of GDP - from the economy in 2012.
Almost half of people admitted to not going above and beyond at work because they think that they won't be acknowledged (4%) or rewarded (47%). Just as alarmingly for businesses, 7% say they are working to their full potential, and 27% rate their current level of productivity as five or below (on a scale of 1-10).
Patrick Watt, corporate director at Bupa, said: "By rewarding extra effort from employees and building an organisation around health and wellbeing, businesses can harness the discretionary effort of their workforce to supercharge their growth."
Bupa's research also revealed only 41% operate at their peak physical level and 29% unable to concentrate at work due to poor health.
Watt continued: "With one in four employees concerned that they will burnout, companies must take urgent action to raise levels of staff wellbeing to counteract the ripple effect of poor health on the wider organisation - and the economy as a whole."
