5th November 2025

New research from Vhi explores the barriers to self-care and the need to rethink how workplace wellbeing is promoted

5th November 2025 – Vhi, Ireland’s largest health insurance provider has released data that reveals that only 37% of employees believe that their workplace supports them to engage in activities to maintain their health and prevent future diseases. While 83% believe small health actions now can prevent bigger health issues later, many struggle to turn intention into action. Such measures, which include regular exercise, health checkups and screening tests, all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Highlighting the need to rethink how workplace wellbeing is promoted, these findings come from Vhi’s latest Workplace Health Insights survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A with over 1,000 corporate employees. The research explores key barriers to preventative care and examines how workplace culture influences health behaviours. The results were shared during Vhi’s Workplace Health Insights webinar on 4th November, titled “Wellness Interrupted: Guilt, Microcultures and the Tech Trap.”

What Employees Say About Preventative Health Measures

The research shows that while employees in Ireland are aware of the benefits of preventative health, 28% report no participation, or only minimal engagement in lifestyle measures that help maintain health and prevent disease.

Additional findings include:

• 66% say preventative health activities are often not accessible or convenient enough.
• 54% say cost is a barrier to participating in health activities.
•  45% report a lack of time as a key obstacle to managing their health effectively.
• 20% experience high stress levels, and 56% fear future health problems if their stress continues.

The research underscores the importance of integrating preventative health into everyday work life, not only for better health outcomes but also for enhanced wellbeing and productivity. However, this is far from standard practice. One-third of employees express concern about engaging in workplace wellness activities during work hours due to fears of being perceived as less dedicated.

Rethinking how employers support preventative health in the workplace

At Vhi’s Workplace Health Insights webinar on 4th November, experts explored the workplace microcultures that impact employee wellness, the role of digital tools in both supporting and hindering wellbeing, and the practical ways employers can foster a culture of wellness.

Speaking at the event, Dr Ui May Tan, Clinical Lead for Preventative Health, Vhi, said: “Preventative health is often seen as a personal responsibility – something to manage in your own time. Our research shows that guilt, lack of convenience and workplace expectations are key reasons people struggle to prioritise their health. Many employees know exactly what they should be doing – getting more sleep, taking breaks, exercising, checking in with their GP - but they feel they don’t have permission, time or energy to do it.

Preventative health isn’t a luxury or a reward – it's an essential part of keeping people well, productive and happy. Employers have an opportunity and a responsibility, to lead by example and help normalise healthy habits as part of the working day. Vhi is proud to provide a suite of supports which make it easier for employers to promote workplace wellbeing. Today we want to remind and encourage employers to take advantage of the tools and services available to them in order to encourage employees to prioritise their overall health and wellbeing.”

Amy Burke, People and Sustainability Officer, Vhi, said: “For employers, support of preventative health this isn’t just a wellbeing initiative — it’s a strategic investment. By fostering a culture that promotes health, companies can see measurable benefits including improved engagement, higher productivity, stronger business performance and enhanced morale. Vhi’s purpose is to support members to live longer, stronger and healthier lives. In pursuit of this, we are proud to work alongside employers and employees to help create environments where employees feel empowered to take care of their health, and organisations can demonstrate the tangible value of supporting wellbeing at work.”

ENDS/

Notes to editors:

The most recent instalment in the Vhi Workplace Health Insights series, the findings on preventative health are based on a survey of 1,000+ corporate employees aged up to 65 years undertaken by Ipsos B&A from late 2024 – early 2025. The research provides key insights into the actions that employees take, and refrain from taking, in the care of their physical and mental health, barriers to active participation in health care, employer policies and digital wellbeing at work.