Pandemic spurs workers expectations for mental health support

'Pleasenteeism' on the rise among employees

Hemma Visavadia
clock • 3 min read

Over half of employees have expressed higher expectations for mental health support from their employer than before the pandemic, according to research.

A survey of 2,049 UK employees, conducted by Lime Global, shows that workers would welcome small initiatives from their employer including mental health days off (24%), and greater flexibility in working hours (22%). The reseach also found that 65% of workers believe that benefits should be offered to the whole of a company's workforce, with 45% stating that healthcare and wellbeing benefits should also extend to everyone. A further 23% stated they would like their employer to be more mindful of their workload and work/life balance. The need for better mental health support was fur...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Employee Benefits

Broadstone expands Sovereign Risk Management's absence insurance offering

Broadstone expands Sovereign Risk Management's absence insurance offering

Tackle employee absence challenges

Jaskeet Briah
clock 11 February 2026 • 2 min read
Health Shield Wellbeing boosts menopause support

Health Shield Wellbeing boosts menopause support

Partnership with My Menopause Centre

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 February 2026 • 1 min read
Seven in 10 employees pretending to be well at work

Seven in 10 employees pretending to be well at work

Money worries is top reason for hiding health concerns

Jaskeet Briah
clock 04 February 2026 • 2 min read