Employers should keep in mind that 1 in 7 (7.3 million) adults in the UK currently cannot afford to eat whilst over 2 million have gone a whole 24 hours without eating a thing. Hunger has profound physical, psychological, and cognitive effects.
Socio-economic issues in the workplace is one of Glass Ceilings’® key areas of focus. It is one of the lesser considered workplace inclusion issues and sadly not just something from a Dickensian novel. We encourage all employers to consider implementing commercially viable, cost effective ways to ease the impact of the cost of living crisis for their employees. The simplest cost-free thing you can do is be kind and understanding.
Here are a few more practical ideas for organisations:
- Making safe and confidential avenues available for employees to discuss any difficulties they are facing, without stigma in the workplace.
- Making arrangements with Employee Assistance Programme and/or Occ Health providers to signpost employees to avenues of support. Many EAP providers offer financial wellbeing services and counselling.
- Encouraging employees to join a Trade Union. Most Trade Unions offer free advice and support to members during periods of financial hardship.
- Providing paid leave or flexible working for employees to seek advice or attend appointments to deal with UC or medical issues.
- Offer greater flexibility around taking time off for dependents and other caring responsibilities – if households are going hungry, it will exacerbate health issues or contribute to new ones.
- Consider whether mood or behavioural changes are the result of hunger itself or financial worries, rather than taking punitive action.
- Agreeing hybrid working patterns where possible to reduce costs of travel and home fuel consumption.
- Flexible working patterns that help reduce costs of travelling to and from the workplace, perhaps through car sharing or cycle to work schemes.
- Considering car parking arrangements and helping to find cheaper alternatives.
April 2022