Employee health pressures in 2026

 In this article, Emma Southworth, Deputy Medical Director reflects on what employees are dealing with day to day, why anxiety continues to feature so prominently at work and how timely access to GP,  EAP and allied health services can help people get clearer guidance and support earlier. 

As we move into 2026, many workplaces are operating in an increasingly uncertain environment. International, economic and political pressures continue to shape how work feels day to day.

For many employees life feels more pressurised and unpredictable. 

Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that anxiety remains one of the most common health concerns raised in the workplace.

We regularly hear from working people who are dealing with things like:

• Balancing professional responsibilities with home life
• Managing difficult situations at work 
• Coping with long waits for appointments, investigations and treatment

The NHS continues to operate under sustained pressure and, while supported by dedicated and highly skilled professionals, access to care remains challenging. 

Securing a GP appointment that fits around working hours, childcare, or caring responsibilities can be difficult. Waiting all day for a call from a GP surgery often adds further stress and disruption.

For employers, the value of timely access to private GP services is clear. Employees can book consultations at a time that suits them, allowing earlier discussions, reassurance and clear clinical guidance. Whether talking through symptoms, receiving treatment where appropriate, or understanding when further investigation is needed, access to medical advice can help reduce anxiety, avoidable absence and presenteeism.

With mental health firmly on the workplace agenda, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services provide vital early support. 

Brief access to trained counsellors can help employees develop practical strategies for managing everyday pressures. Physiotherapy services are equally important, particularly for musculoskeletal issues linked to desk-based and home working.

Alongside this, under the HealthHero umbrella, we can offer a range of additional services, including:

• Competitively priced weight management programmes
• Comprehensive women’s health support
• Efficient form-fill consultations

Together, these services sit alongside NHS care, helping employees access appropriate support and maintain their health and wellbeing at work.