Why Health Should be the Fourth Pillar of ESG

"Now more than ever, it relates to the national economy"

clock • 4 min read

Phil Mullen, managing director EMEA at TELUS Health, examines the case for adding health to the existing environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars to the benefit of both individuals and businesses.

Global health care systems have been under increasing pressure in recent years, and the UK is no exception. In fact, the nation's health has been declining for some time and it is not only a significant economic burden but also a cause for concern regarding public health. In 2020, life expectancy fell for the first time since 2000, and health issues are at an all-time high in the country. The cost of ill-health is staggering, with data revealing that the UK loses 131 million working days each year due to illness, amounting to a cost of approximately £180 billion. Additionally, our ...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

Toothfairy to launch workplace dental clinic

Toothfairy to launch workplace dental clinic

On-site dental examinations

Cameron Roberts
clock 07 May 2026 • 1 min read
Over 11m sick notes issued in 2025

Over 11m sick notes issued in 2025

148.8m working days lost due to sickness or injury

Cameron Roberts
clock 05 May 2026 • 2 min read
The protection gap has a clear gender dimension: Swiss Re

The protection gap has a clear gender dimension: Swiss Re

Women in Protection Conference 2026

Jaskeet Briah
clock 30 April 2026 • 3 min read