Despite a demand for health benefits, most UK companies are failing to offer a health benefits provision according to a new reed.co.uk poll of over 3,000 people.

Health benefits do not feature at all for 76% of companies. The disparity is evident in the 88% of employees that think health benefits should be provided and the 81% that think it would aid productivity.

In fostering a better environment, 73% thought team sports would be a great team building aid.

Thankfully from the employer’s perspective only 55% felt that employee benefits would influence their decision to take up an assignment.

Martin Warnes, operations director at recruitment website www.reed.co.uk said: “Workers are looking increasingly to their employers to provide health benefits, seeing a direct link between their fitness and productivity at work. The research echoes the call from health secretary, Alan Johnson, in January for companies to invest in the health and wellbeing of their workforce and for senior managers to encourage a healthy and active workplace culture.”