The Top Occupational Health Priorities for Employers in 2026

As 2026 begins, employers are navigating a landscape that continues to shift in response to new working patterns, rising health pressures, and changing expectations around wellbeing. Organisations that place occupational health at the centre of their strategy will be better equipped to protect their people and maintain strong, stable performance throughout the year.

Here are the priority areas every employer should be focusing on as we move into 2026.

1. Strengthening mental health support

Employee mental health remains one of the most significant challenges in today’s workplace. Increased workloads, hybrid working, financial pressure, and ongoing uncertainty all contribute to rising levels of stress and anxiety. Employers should be moving toward earlier, more structured support rather than relying solely on reactive responses.

This includes giving managers the confidence to identify early signs of concern, ensuring employees know where to seek help, and offering clear access to occupational health assessment when needed. A supportive and well-informed approach creates a safer working environment and prevents issues from developing into long term absence.

2. Reducing absence through early intervention

Sickness absence continues to place pressure on businesses, and many long-term cases could be avoided with earlier support. Early intervention is most effective when concerns are identified at the very first sign of difficulty, not weeks down the line.

Insight Workplace Health’s Day One Absence Call service plays a key role in this. By assessing the reason for absence on the very first day, our clinicians can identify emerging health issues early, provide immediate guidance, and recommend adjustments that support a quicker and safer return to work. This timely action prevents problems from escalating and gives managers the clarity they need to respond appropriately.

Employers who build early intervention into their wider absence management strategy will see stronger outcomes, reduced disruption, and a more confident and supported workforce.

3. Prioritising musculoskeletal health and ergonomics

Musculoskeletal disorders remain one of the leading causes of lost working time. Whether employees are working in office-based roles, hybrid setups, or more physical environments, ergonomics continues to be a critical factor.

Regular review of workstations, early reporting of discomfort, and a greater focus on movement and posture throughout the day all contribute to preventing long term issues. Investing in ergonomics is not only a wellbeing decision. It is a preventative measure that protects productivity and reduces future absence.

4. Building a healthier workplace culture

A positive health culture has a powerful impact on the way employees feel and perform. In 2026, organisations should be looking beyond short-lived wellbeing campaigns and focusing on long term cultural habits.

This means making health conversations routine, encouraging openness between staff and managers, and ensuring wellbeing is embedded in daily practice. A strong health culture brings consistency, stability, and a greater sense of trust across the organisation.

5. Ensuring compliance and preparing for change

Regulatory expectations continue to evolve, particularly in areas relating to stress, manual handling, and workplace risk. The start of the year is an ideal moment to review existing processes, update risk assessments, and ensure staff training remains current.

Strong compliance protects employees, reduces organisational risk, and provides the framework for safer and more effective operations.

6. Using data to guide decisions

Workforce health data offers valuable insight into absence patterns, referral themes, and areas of organisational strain. Employers who monitor and understand these trends are better placed to anticipate challenges and take targeted action.

Using data in this way helps ensure occupational health activity is both efficient and impactful.

Make 2026 your healthiest year yet

By focusing on these key areas, employers can create stronger, safer, and more sustainable workplaces. Prioritising occupational health is not only a way to meet responsibilities. It is an investment that protects people and strengthens overall business performance.

If you would like support in developing your occupational health strategy for 2026, Insight Workplace Health is here to help. Contact us today or call 01792 321010 to speak to our team.