Investing in Employee Health Solutions for Workplace 

More than ever, companies of every size are examining their approach to employee health. This is not charity, but an investment. And it’s a management mindset that’s growing around the world. 

In the UK, 86% of employers say they’re changing their approach to employee health, and in a different study, half of all surveyed companies in Asia Pacific are enhancing healthcare benefits. 

The evolution of the workplace is underway. But why invest in employee health solutions? And how do you and your workers benefit? 

Taking an interest in your workers’ physical condition is not just altruistic. There are numerous benefits, related to morale, productivity, staff retention and even productivity.  

Here are some of the main reasons for investing in employee health. 

Investing in workers’ health is good not just for their wellbeing, but also their morale. If rolled out correctly, health benefits create employees who feel better, are more productive, are happier in the workplace and are less likely to leave for another employer.  

Indeed, one survey found a whopping 92% of workers saying that health benefits are important when choosing or staying at a job.

Absenteeism is expensive. In fact, as reported by Forbes, in the US, it costs $600 billion a year, with an average cost of $4,080 per full-time employee. 

Of course, there’s the physical absence of the worker and their lost productivity. But additionally, there are logistical and planning issues too, as deadlines still have to be met, clients catered to, and other employees pick up the slack of their sick colleagues.  

Investing in your employees’ health can help to stem this tide. 

Employer branding is vital, not just for maintaining a workforce and reducing employee churn, but for attracting the right talent.  

Packages and offers for new hires have become more complex, broad and elaborate than ever before. In the past, salary was the main carrot. Now, employers are adding wellness days, health insurance, and various health and wellness perks big and small.  

Workers stay or leave for a range of reasons, not just tied to salary and workload. Unsatisfactory work/life balance and a toxic workplace are two common reasons why workers look elsewhere. 

Conversely, showing a clear plan to invest in health and wellbeing tells potential new colleagues that yours is a good place to work. 

Just like any outlay, there are options for investing in employee health solutions to suit various budget or level of commitment, regardless of the company’s size and flexibility.  

Here are the options, from relatively cheap app subscriptions, to bigger and broader investments.  

As discussed in a previous article, telehealth is online, remote access to health services, such as doctor visits. This is incredibly useful, whether employees want advice, checkups, or even some forms of examination.  

It also decreases the time and money that’s normally spent when visiting doctors onsite. 

This investment can take many forms, big and small:  

• Yoga in the workplace at lunch hours 
• Yoga in the workplace at lunch hours Additional paid time off, such as ‘wellness days’ 
• Yoga in the workplace at lunch hours ‘Quiet’ spaces, for workers who need to concentrate and relaxation 
• Courses or classes during work hours in subjects such as meditation  
• Nutrition guidance (either from a visiting nutritionist or onsite in the workplace kitchen)  
• Access to outdoor spaces during the working day  
• Provide indoor plants in improve air quality and mood (a subject we covered before) 

Because wellbeing is such a broad term, it’s important to invest in it tangibly, and not to simply pay lip service. Do not communicate that you’re invested in wellbeing without taking the necessary steps! Find out more in our other blog, where we discuss Digital Health Solutions for your Employees. 

It’s vital too, to look out for signs of a toxic work culture, which we covered in a previous blog.

Taking the time to investigate and implement health solutions can be a long-term strategy that benefits everyone. From reducing absenteeism to enhancing morale, it’s an investment in your company’s future. 

If you want to know about the range of international health insurance and workplace wellness solutions we provide at Allianz Partners, get in touch today.  

Q: What are the most cost-effective employee health solutions for small businesses? 

A: Affordable options include mental health app subscriptions, telehealth services, and seasonal health checkups. 

Q: How does workplace wellness impact productivity? 

A: Healthier employees are less likely to take sick days, are more focused, and perform better at work. 

Q: Why is employee wellbeing crucial for retention? 

A: Employees value workplaces that prioritise their health and wellbeing, making them more likely to stay loyal to the company.