The majority of employers are failing to utilise commonly available support services, such as virtual GPs, EAPs or rehab services.
Research by Grid found that the usage of these services remained low, despite the fact that four in five employers said they used group risk products to help mitigate absence rates for staff.
In total just 18 per cent of employers said the offered access to a virtual GP, 15 per cent to an employee assistance programme, while only 13 per cent offer physio support for employees.
In addition 12 per cent offer access to rehabilitations specialist, 10 per cent to a second medical opinion service and 8 per cent medical specialists such as oncologists.
Grid said that employers should be making more use of these support services, that are typically embedded in group risk products, particularly in the event of a new illness or injury. It says this research raised the question as to whether employers fully understand the breadth of the extra services they have access to.
Grid spokesperson Katharine Moxham says: “The research results paint a picture that many employers could do more to support newly ill staff.
“Helping staff understand support is available, and ensuring it is utilised during times of need including ill health, not only supports the individuals but also sends a message to the broader staff community who will see their colleagues benefitting.”