Around 8 in 10 employees would like their employer to extend benefits to the whole family, according to new data from Health Shield Friendly Society.
The Society is urging support from employers and intermediaries in spreading the word about how Health Cash Plans are not only affordable to offer to entire workforces, so promoting diversity and inclusion goals, but also that benefits can be extended to family members of employees.
In fact, one in five of Health Shield’s claims already involves a relative.
According to the most recent survey, more than 8 out of 10 workers have already cut back on routine medical expenses like physiotherapy, dental care, and visits to the optometrist.
The majority of respondents, 98 per cent, believed that employers should help their workers’ health and wellbeing, with training and development ranking second in importance only to routine healthcare support.
These new findings are made in light of the fact that 7 in 10 or 72 per cent of companies want to increase benefits this year to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) objectives.
Health Shield commercial director Paul Shires says: “Health Cash Plans have long been used to support the everyday healthcare needs of not only the employee, but also their family members. It’s an incredibly valuable aspect of what we do – and notable that 1 in 5 of our existing claims are already for a family member.
“The low price point of Health Cash Plans makes them potentially accessible to entire workforces, and entire families of entire workforces; arguably making them one of the most DEI-friendly benefits around.
“What’s more, they are there to be used; on an everyday basis. It’s hugely worrying that people seem to be cutting back on the things that matter most – their basic healthcare needs – during the difficult times we all find ourselves in right now, as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. But employers are really well placed to help.”
