Embedding health literacy in your workplace

In today’s workplace, personal empowerment is reshaping how employees approach their health. But as individuals take more responsibility for their wellbeing, a critical question arises: do they have the knowledge to make informed decisions?

The answer, for many, is no. Research shows the average UK adult self-diagnoses symptoms online over 1,200 times in their lifetime—and one in three get it wrong. This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a business one. Misunderstood symptoms and delays in accessing the right healthcare can lead to lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and underutilised health benefits.

The opportunity for employers

Employers have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap—not just by offering healthcare access, but by helping employees understand it. Here are five practical ways to embed health literacy into your workplace strategy.

1) Using data to drive strategy

Understanding the problem starts with measurement. Bluecrest’s Health IQ (HiQ) quiz, developed with clinical experts and NHS guidance, tested 2,000 UK adults on everyday health knowledge. The average score? Just 57.4 out of 110—placing most in the ‘developing’ range.

• Women scored higher than men (61.9 vs. 52.6)

• Gen X led generationally (60.6), while Gen Z lagged (54.2)

• Regional gaps were stark, with the East of England scoring highest (61.2) and Wales lowest (52.2)

These insights can help employers tailor wellbeing initiatives by region, demographic, or job role—making them more inclusive and effective.

2) Make education part of the package

Clear communication of benefits is essential—but understanding is what drives action. Integrate health education into your wellbeing strategy through:

• Bite-sized content and myth-busting campaigns

• Interactive tools that explain key metrics like BMI or blood pressure

• Raise awareness of health benefits, including health assessments

• Embedding this into on-boarding or wellbeing platforms ensures health literacy becomes part of everyday work life.

3) Create a culture of health conversations

Health still carries stigma in many workplaces—especially around mental health or chronic conditions. But normalising these conversations can foster psychological safety and engagement.

Simple steps can make a big difference:

• Peer-led initiatives and informal wellbeing check-ins

• Aligning internal comms with national awareness days

• Encouraging leadership to model openness about health

4) Help employees access and navigate accurate digital information.

With so many turning to the internet first, the challenge isn’t access—it’s accuracy. Employers can guide employees toward credible, evidence-based resources.

Consider:

• Curated lists of trusted websites and tools

• Embedding resources like the HIQ quiz into HR platforms

• Training on how to evaluate online health content

This helps employees make better decisions and reduces reliance on misinformation.

5) Design for inclusion

Health literacy isn’t evenly distributed. Factors like language, education, and digital access can create barriers. To reach everyone:

• Use clear, jargon-free language

• Offer content in multiple formats (visual, audio, translated)

• Gather feedback through surveys or focus groups

Inclusive design ensures your strategy supports the full diversity of your workforce.

Health literacy is more than a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. By helping employees understand their health, employers can unlock better engagement, improved productivity, and a more resilient workforce.

Test your own Health IQ and see how well you really know your body.

To find out more about our packages, reach out to the corporate team on 0808 168 9219.