According to a new study by Towergate Employee Benefits, 59% of companies use health and wellness benefits to prevent absenteeism. Most employers focus on prevention, rather than treatment. This forward-thinking attitude means that employees are given health and wellness support to keep them healthy and happy.
The size of the Problem
Nearly a quarter of businesses (23%) have problems with absence rates. The bigger the company, the greater the problem.
| Business Size | Percentage of people who say absence rates are a problem |
| 2-20 employees | 16% |
| 21-249 employees | 22% |
| 250+ employees | 36% |
Prevention of disease through health and wellness
In the past, private health insurance was offered to senior employees as an incentive to speed up treatment. Health and wellbeing benefits are now much broader, allowing companies to use them as a way to prevent illness and absences.
Preventative Support is available in a variety of forms to meet a range of needs, budgets and approaches. Employers can choose to focus on benefits that include additional support or opt for standalone support.
David Williams explains that there is a lot of additional preventative care in employee benefits. Employee benefits providers are aware that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment.
Preventative care includes screening, accessing a virtual doctor, assistance with improving lifestyle, fitness, and overall health and well-being, discounted gym memberships, fitness trackers and nutrition advice. These are all aimed at preventing illnesses in the first instance and are available as part of a variety of benefits, including PMI and Income Protection Coverage.
David Williams comments: “With so many options for preventative healthcare, and a list that is constantly changing, it’s important for employers to take the time to learn about the possibilities and seek advice, if necessary, to ensure the right support is provided for their staff demographic.”
Supporting return to work through health and well-being
Research also revealed that 46% employers offer health and wellness benefits to help people return to work faster. Early intervention is key to preventing health problems from escalating into a longer-term absence. While prevention is important, returning to work remains a priority. Health and wellbeing benefits can help with this.
David Williams concludes that: Preventative care has benefits for every business size. Health and wellness industry recognizes the importance preventative healthcare and is constantly making improvements. Options are available to provide solutions for employers and employees.
59% of companies use health and wellness benefits to reduce absences. This article first appeared in HR News.
