New Research From The Hartford Finds U.S. Workers Are Delaying Routine Health Care

Rhea-AI Summary

New research from The Hartford reveals that 61% of U.S. workers experience high levels of burnout, unchanged since 2021. 43% have postponed routine health care since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting their overall health and productivity. Key reasons for delays include fear of COVID-19 (47%) and difficulty scheduling appointments. Recommendations for improving health include prioritizing routine visits, utilizing telehealth, and employer support in health care access.

Positive

• The Hartford emphasizes the importance of routine health visits to prevent serious health issues.
• Employers are encouraged to support employee health, potentially improving overall productivity.

Negative

• High burnout rate of 61% among U.S. workers remains a concern.
• Significant delays in routine healthcare could lead to worsening health conditions.

• U.S. workers report declining health as workplace burnout rate remains high at 61%

• Majority of workers say their health/wellness is impacting their productivity; many feel less engaged at work

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New research from The Hartford, a leading provider of group disability insurance and absence management, found that 43% of U.S. workers have delayed routine health care appointments since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The delay in care comes as many also report declines in their mental health (42%), social well-being (41%), financial security (32%) and physical health (29%).

The Hartford, which has been tracking workplace burnout levels among U.S. workers throughout the pandemic, found that the burnout rate has remained high at 61% in January – the same level reported in February and July of 2021. This burnout rate and declining health is manifesting in the way many U.S. workers feel about their jobs. Most respondents (63%) said their overall health/wellness impacts their productivity at work. Thirty percent noted they’re less engaged with their work and 25% said they have trouble concentrating or focusing.

“It is difficult to overcome the fear and fatigue we’re all experiencing amid the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it is important that people get back to prioritizing routine health visits and screenings to stay physically and mentally healthy,” said The Hartford’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adam Seidner. “Many health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, may not be noticeable or detected without routine screenings. These types of conditions, when they continue to develop undetected, can lead to more serious health problems.”

According to the January 2022 Future of Benefits Pulse Survey, the top five reasons workers are putting off appointments include:

• Fear of contracting COVID-19 (47%);
• Difficulty getting an appointment (29%);
• The need to cancel appointments due to COVID-19 restrictions/requirements (25%);
• Fear of other illnesses (24%); and
• Not a current priority (21%)

“Employers play a key role in helping to remove some of the barriers to health care, which is important in helping people live active and productive lives,” Seidner said. “I encourage employers to continue to offer the flexibility needed to ensure their employees can take key steps to improve their mental and physical health – and avoid the dangers of delayed care.”

According to an analysis of The Hartford’s 2021 short-term disability claims data, the top five injuries and illnesses are¹:

• Musculoskeletal injuries, such as neck or back pain
• COVID-19
• Digestive disorders, such as hernias or appendicitis
• Mental health conditions
• Rheumatologic disorders, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Seidner notes that these types of illnesses and injuries can be treated before becoming a disabling condition that prevents people from working or can be managed well following a disability claim by keeping up with routine care.

To help get back on track with appointments, Seidner recommends U.S. workers:

• Talk to their doctor’s offices about the precautions they are taking in the office to keep patients safe;
• Stay current on prescription medications and continue to follow the medical guidance related to an existing condition;
• Consider a telehealth visit, if available;
• Ask to be placed on a call-back list to be made aware of openings due to cancellations if appointments aren’t readily available; and
• Take advantage of the online health portals available to communicate directly with your doctor.

To better engage with workers and promote their overall wellness, Seidner recommends employers:

• Offer benefits and resources that address the overall well-being of their workforce – encompassing physical health, mental health, as well as financial resilience;
• Communicate more often to employees to remind them of the benefits and services that are available;
• Lead by example by making your own appointments a priority; and
• Offer the flexibility employees need to make their appointments a priority.

Methodology

A national omnibus online survey was conducted in the U.S. among approximately 2,000 adults aged 18+, including 1001 full-time and part-time employed respondents. The research was conducted Jan. 5-7, 2022. The margin of error is +/- 3% at a 95% confidence level.

About The Hartford

The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com. Follow us on Twitter at @TheHartford_PR.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice.

HIG-E

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

From time to time, The Hartford may use its website and/or social media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook, to disseminate material company information. Financial and other important information regarding The Hartford is routinely accessible through and posted on our website at https://ir.thehartford.com, Twitter account at www.twitter.com/TheHartford_PR and Facebook at https://facebook.com/thehartford. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about The Hartford when you enroll your email address by visiting the “Email Alerts” section at https://ir.thehartford.com.

¹ According to an analysis of The Hartford’s 2021 disability claims, excluding pregnancy.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220207005956/en/

Media:

Michelle Symington

860-547-5385

michelle.symington@thehartford.com

Source: The Hartford

FAQ

What does the recent Hartford study say about U.S. worker burnout levels in 2022?

The Hartford's study indicates that 61% of U.S. workers report high burnout levels, consistent with previous years.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected U.S. workers' health appointments?

The study found that 43% of U.S. workers have delayed routine health appointments since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

What are the main reasons U.S. workers are postponing health care appointments?

Top reasons include fear of COVID-19 (47%), difficulty getting appointments (29%), and needing to cancel due to restrictions (25%).

What recommendations does The Hartford provide to improve workforce health?

Recommendations include prioritizing routine health visits, utilizing telehealth options, and employers providing support for health care access.

What is the impact of delayed health care on U.S. workers according to The Hartford?

Delayed health care could worsen conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, impacting the overall productivity of workers.