Why speedy access to healthcare is essential for your workforce

Why speedy access to healthcare is essential for your workforce

Workplace absence due to sickness is having a serious impact on productivity, morale and retention. Giving employees access to healthcare as an on-demand workplace benefit is one way HR professionals can provide support before issues escalate. How effective is your workplace wellbeing strategy? Take our quiz to find out.

 

Businesses in the UK are suffering from a sickness epidemic. Data from the Office for National Statistics finds the sickness absence rate has reached its highest level in almost 20 years, with 185.6 million days lost in 2022 alone. This was 47.4 million more than in 2019. And, almost six million people are thought to be considering quitting work altogether as a result of health issues, a Simplyhealth study finds.  

With the NHS struggling to meet high levels of demand for its services, difficulty in accessing health support is a major reason why people are forced to take time off work. Businesses have a vital role to play in providing easily accessible health support for their employees. By offering health cover as an on-demand workplace benefit, employers can ensure staff have easy access to a range of digital services, including GPs, mental health professionals, eye care, dermatology support, and physiotherapy, without the need for GP approval or long waits for appointments. These benefits can significantly enhance workplace morale and contribute to employee retention in a competitive labour market.

What can HR professionals do to help? 

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