Demand for Group Healthcare benefits set to increase

Thursday, September 2, 2010

New research conducted by Simplyhealth has suggested that fears for the wellbeing of employees could see a significant rise in demand for group healthcare benefits by corporations. The study demonstrated that three quarters of all businesses are now taking more interest in the wellbeing of their staff, showing concern for their employee’s wellbeing both within, and outside of, the working environment.

The research also showed that a third of employers are seeking to enhance the benefits which are provided to their staff, by increasing the range of healthcare services available to them. Over the past few years, businesses are realising the benefits of looking after their employees’ health to cut costs due to absence, and safeguard their staff against stress and other work-related illnesses.

Despite this positive upswing in employee consideration, the report also demonstrated that organisations are still suffering from the economic downturn, with almost forty percent of businesses implementing a freeze on pay to reduce expenditure as they recover. The research, entitled ‘Bothered Britain’, reported that government cuts have led to a number of businesses feeling concerned about how they would fare in the future plans of the economy when it came to new schemes announced by the government.

A spokesperson from Simplyhealth explained their findings: “I believe that it is apparent that companies are seriously considering the role they play in supporting employees and the greater good. The lack of information provided so far suggests that wider education is needed if they are to provide valuable support.”

"Nevertheless, with a possible reduction in public services such as the NHS, companies may be looking to introduce a more comprehensive health and wellbeing strategy.”